Bataan First District Representative Tony Roman III reported fresh progress on efforts to improve literacy and expand the role of local government units in education following the recent visit of officials from The Asia Foundation to the province.

The discussions centered on reforms aligned with the recommendations of Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), particularly the renewed focus on foundational learning and reading.

According to Roman, The Asia Foundation President Laurel Miller and Country Representative Sam Chittick joined local leaders in reviewing education initiatives already underway in Bataan. The foundation, known for supporting programs in education, governance, and community development across Asia, has been working with the province to strengthen literacy programs for young learners.

At Tomas Pinpin Memorial Elementary School, officials met with students, parents, and teachers involved in the Cool Iskool reading program, a joint initiative of DepEd-Bataan, LGUs, and The Asia Foundation. Roman said the project delivered encouraging first-year results, with fewer non-readers and more than double the number of students now reading at grade level.

A roundtable discussion was also held with former Representative Geraldine Roman, DepEd-Bataan officials, local chief executives, and education partners to discuss stronger locally led governance in schools. Roman said participants agreed that expanding Cool Iskool and increasing LGU participation would help improve learning outcomes for more students across Bataan.

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