By Arlene Dela Rea
Olongapo City, January 22, 2026 — A significant milestone in advancing reading literacy was marked today as 1,027 tablets were officially turned over to the Department of Education (DepEd) Olongapo City Division through the generosity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, spearheaded by Elder Robert Webb and Sister Belinda Webb. The turnover ceremony was held at Old Cabalan Integrated School.
The donated tablets will directly benefit 1,027 identified struggling readers, now considered “reading winners,” who were carefully assessed under the Division’s Reading Literacy Program. These digital learning tools are expected to greatly enhance learners’ reading skills and help improve their overall academic performance.
Leading the event was Schools Division Superintendent Imelda P. Macaspac, joined by Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Ilynne S. Samonte, Curriculum Implementation Division Chief Eleonor Cayabyab, and School Governance and Operations Division Chief Ricardo Ednave. Also in attendance were school heads, teachers, reading coordinators, education supervisors, learners, and parents, reflecting strong community support for the initiative.
SDS Macaspac expressed her gratitude to the donors, emphasizing that the tablets will play a significant role in strengthening the Division’s literacy efforts and in providing equitable learning opportunities for learners who need them the most.
Adding warmth and inspiration to the occasion was BCDA Director Rolen C. Paulino, Sr., who represented the City Mayor, Rolen C. Paulino, Jr. In his message, Director Paulino reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting the Division’s mission and vision. He further pledged the donation of a smart TV to Old Cabalan Integrated School, to be installed at the school stage for use during school and community events.
The turnover ceremony was smoothly facilitated by Master of Ceremonies Monette F. Cruz, who guided the program with enthusiasm and professionalism.
This partnership reiterates the shared commitment of DepEd Olongapo City, its stakeholders, and private partners to uplift literacy and empower learners through meaningful interventions. With the integration of technology into reading instruction, the Division moves one step closer to its goal of ensuring that every learner can read, learn, and succeed.
