By Alice Chambers |
Microsoft is supporting the Department of Education in the Philippines (DepEd) to improve literacy across the country with AI reading tools for teachers and students.
More than 14,000 learners across 60 schools have benefited from Microsoft’s Reading Progress and Reading Coach tools, which enable students to practice reading independently while giving teachers real-time feedback on fluency, pronunciation and pacing. For example, in Bais City, teachers have been using Reading Progress to streamline reading assessments and better support students. What previously took them two full days to assess now takes just two hours, allowing more time to spend on lesson planning and personalised support.
Plus, in Cabunanatuan, the READExcel pilot programme was introduced in three schools – Macatbong Integrated School, PG Crisostomo Integrated School and LD Renon Integrated School – to improve reading proficiency and significantly reduce the number of students struggling with reading. Pre-test results showed 14 students in the struggling category, which dropped to zero after the pilot.
“Literacy is the foundation upon which all learning rests, and by harnessing AI-powered tools, we equip our teachers and students with the resources they need to thrive in a digital era,” said Carmela Oracion, assistant secretary for DepEd. “Our goal is to ensure that every learner, regardless of background, has the opportunity to become a confident reader and lifelong learner. Collaboration with partners like Microsoft is key to realising this vision and transforming literacy across the nation.”
Teachers and education specialists shared how they have used Microsoft AI tools to personalise learning and reduce administrative workload for teachers at the ‘Read and Lead: An AI-powered Literacy Day’ at Ilugin Elementary School in Pasig City. The event was attended by key representatives from DepEd and other government offices.
“Our commitment is clear: scale what works, so every Filipino child can thrive in a rapidly changing world,” said Marcelino Veloso, assistant secretary for DepEd.
Looking ahead, the partnership aims to align Reading Progress with DepEd’s National Reading Program tied to the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (PHIL-IRI) goals. Together with industry partners, DepEd and Microsoft will work to scale the programme to more schools across the country and strengthen teacher capacity through digital fluency and innovative use of AI in the classroom.
“This is just the beginning,” said Peter Maquera, Microsoft Philippines CEO. “By combining technology with the passion of Filipino educators, we can close the literacy gap and empower every learner to succeed.”