Davao City – The Department of Education (DepEd) – Davao City Division has credited the unwavering support of the city government as a major contributor to the city’s impressive 93.5% literacy rate in 2024.
In a recent interview, Schools Division Superintendent Reynante Solitario said the high literacy rate reflects the city’s continuing commitment to inclusive and accessible education, backed by targeted programs and investments from the local government.
“The city government has allocated substantial resources toward education infrastructure, teacher development, and learning materials,” Solitario said, emphasizing that this collaborative approach with education stakeholders has made a significant impact.
Among the initiatives supported by the city is the provision of P5 million worth of Beginning Reading Kits Level I, and an additional P7.5 million approved for the procurement of Active Reading Buddy tools—both aimed at improving foundational literacy among young learners.
The Special Education Fund (SEF) has also been instrumental in constructing new classrooms, providing learning tools, and supporting various educational programs across the city.
In addition to formal education, the city has strengthened its Alternative Learning System (ALS), with support from local government and non-government organizations. This flexible program caters to out-of-school youth, Indigenous Peoples, and adult learners—groups often excluded from traditional schooling. Solitario said the ALS has been vital in bringing literacy to marginalized sectors of society.
Another unique effort is the Mobile Library Project of the City Library and Information Center (CLIC), which deploys buses equipped with books, arts and crafts materials, board games, and educational films to public elementary schools, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
One of the mobile library buses also delivers Emergency Preparedness lectures, teaching grade school and high school students about disaster risk reduction—further proof that Davao’s education strategy goes beyond academics.
“The city’s proactive stance in supporting literacy, from early childhood to adult education, has ensured that education remains a right accessible to all Dabawenyos,” Solitario stressed.
With strong political will, dedicated educators, and active community participation, Davao City continues to set the bar for education-driven development in the country.