Legazpi City, January 31, 2024 – The Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol received an overwhelming response to its call for volunteers, with approximately 3,000 plus volunteer teachers joining Project 6Bs, or Bawat Batang Bicolano Bihasang Bumasa at Bumilang.

This development follows the program’s official launch in December 2023, encouraging students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to participate as volunteer teachers in conducting remediation and tutoring programs for selected learners.

Project Development Officer IV Maria Cristina Baroso said that all volunteer teachers will undergo series of capacity-building activities before engaging with learners. Initially, an orientation was conducted for Project 6BS volunteers highlighting the implementation guidelines and the timeline for the said project. Furhter, the virtual orientation aimed to furnish volunteer teachers with instructions on effective tutoring.

During the orientation, education program supervisors from the region, Ms. Grace Rabelas and Mr. Loyd Botor, delivered lectures on the elements of effective numeracy and literacy instruction.

Data from the Education Support Services Division (ESSD) reveals a total of 3,541 volunteers as of end of January. The Schools Division Office tasked with overseeing the program continues to update the volunteer database, expecting additional participants to join the said initiative.

DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad expressed his gratitude to the volunteers and emphasized the role of collaboration in addressing challenges in basic education. Recognizing community support as a significant component of this educational endeavor, RD Sadsad extended appreciation to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for allowing their students to actively participate as volunteers in Project 6Bs.

Also present during the virtual orientation representing the RTI USAID ABC+ Project, Education Systems Strengthening Advisor Malcolm Garma conveyed a message of support, expressing gratitude to the DepEd Regional Office for spearheading this noble advocacy. Donald James Gawe, Executive Director of the Philippine Volunteers Coordinating Agency, also commended the DepEd Regional Office for coming up with the said initiative.

Project 6Bs, is a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed to enhance the reading comprehension and numeracy skills of students in the Bicol region, ensuring they receive adequate education and support to realize their full potential.