CAMIGUIN (PIA)-- To foster a culture of reading and enhance essential skills among learners as part of the National Reading Program, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Ofice in Camiguin has introduced "Catch-up Fridays."

The scheme was launched on January 12 to coincide with the nationwide observance of Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day. 

“Catch-up Fridays” is under the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).

"DepEd Camiguin started to implement this initiative to provide learners with the opportunity to engage in independent silent reading of their preferred material," said Schools Division Superintendent Rosemarie T. Macesar.

The program's strategic design aims to strengthen social, foundational, and other relevant abilities that are necessary for achieving the objectives of the basic education curriculum. Its main goal is to help students become more proficient writers, critical thinkers, readers, and analysts.

Citing the importance of conducting the said activity, Mariz Calabroso, one of the learners at Camiguin National High School said, "Kasagara sa mga kabataan karon dili kabalo’g kabasa (most of the youth today do not know how to read), and aside from improving our reading skills, I think it also helps strengthen our relevant skills."

The official guidelines for the said program are provided in DepEd Memorandum No. 001, s. 2024, which states that the whole month of January will be dedicated to the activity. This document provides a thorough overview of the Catch-up Fridays program, outlining its goals, anticipated results, and the role educators play in facilitating the sessions.

DepEd Camiguin hopes that "Catch-up Fridays" will help pupils develop a lifelong love for learning and reading in addition to their academic progress. The program's objectives are in line with the National Learning Recovery Program's, which aims to provide comprehensive support for students nationwide and tackle the educational obstacles brought about by the pandemic. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)