The Provincial Government of Iloilo continues to strengthen its commitment to quality education through its flagship literacy initiative, Bulig Eskwela sa Probinsya (BES) Basa, by convening key educators and literacy advocates for a three-day Levelling Session of Lead and Core Trainers.
Held from June 10–12, 2026 at Urban Glamp Resort in Oton, Iloilo, the activity aimed to prepare participants for the Training of Trainers on BES Basa: Proof of Concept on Literacy Localization, a strategic step toward improving reading proficiency across the province.
A central theme of the session was the absolute necessity of engaging Local Government Units (LGUs), particularly Municipal Mayors, along with local stakeholders.
Education reform cannot succeed in a vacuum; it requires the political will, localized funding, and community mobilization that only active LGU leadership can provide.
This localization strategy is backed by hard evidence. Leaders at the summit emphasized that Iloilo already holds clear, empirical proof that literacy performance indicators can be dramatically improved. This was decisively demonstrated during the initial run of the Proof of Concept (POC) program, an initiative successfully funded through the vital partnership between the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) and the Iloilo Provincial Government.
The session brought together division leads and core trainers to align their understanding, strategies, and implementation approaches. Participants actively engaged in a series of workshops, collaborative discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to enhance their skills as trainers.
The program equips them with practical tools, innovative strategies, and effective methodologies to successfully cascade BES Basa in their respective schools and communities.
Dr. Ruby Therese P. Almencion, Schools Division Superintendent of the Schools Division of Iloilo, highlighted the significant impact of the initiative, describing it as a stepping stone toward meaningful transformation in literacy. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and noted that the training is thoughtfully designed to make implementation more accessible and manageable for teachers.
Underscoring the importance of collective leadership, CID Chief Dr. Nestor Paul Pingil emphasized that shared responsibility among education leaders is crucial to the program’s success, noting that sustained commitment will drive meaningful outcomes across the province.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias, a strong advocate of education reform, graced the event and reaffirmed the program’s overarching goal of raising literacy standards and empowering learners throughout Iloilo.
Further strengthening the collaborative framework of BES Basa, Maria Alfreda S. Fajardo, PGADH-PEMO of the Iloilo Provincial Government, highlighted the vital role of partner municipalities. She stressed that Municipal Mayors and their local government units are the primary anchors for sustaining and supporting literacy initiatives within their communities. As part of the broader vision spearheaded by Governor Toto Defensor, she underscored that continuous collaboration and sustained LGU efforts are essential for the long-term success of the program.
Board Member Jason R. Gonzales, who also joined the session, emphasized the importance of aligning personal and professional values in program implementation. He pointed out that achieving impactful and sustainable educational reforms requires a strong foundation of integrity, commitment, and shared purpose among educators, LGU executives, and community leaders.
The levelling session reflects the Provincial Government’s unwavering dedication to enhancing educational quality across Iloilo. By investing in the development of trainers, leveraging proven data from the EDCOM II-backed pilot, and reinforcing ironclad partnerships with local chief executives, the BES Basa initiative aims to ensure that every learner develops strong foundational literacy skills.
As Iloilo advances this transformative initiative, the collective commitment of educators, mayors, leaders, and communities signals a promising future - one that nurtures a more literate, confident, and empowered generation of Ilonggos.
With its rallying call, “Empowering trainers, transforming readers,” the BES Basa program marks the beginning of a meaningful journey toward improved literacy and brighter opportunities for all.
Sa BES Basa, bawat bata may pag-asa.
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