The partnership centers on Microsoft’s Learning Accelerators, a suite of solutions designed to help students build core competencies in reading, mathematics, and well-being, while also developing future-ready skills such as digital information literacy and effective communication.
Focus on reading
At the heart of the initiative is Reading Progress, the first Learning Accelerator introduced under the partnership and now a key component of DepEd’s literacy strategy.
The tool has already seen successful adoption in pilot areas, including Bais and Dumaguete, where more than 14,000 learners across 61 schools were assessed. In Cabanatuan City, 100 percent of learners in three school districts advanced to higher literacy levels after using the tool.
Reading Progress automates reading fluency checks and generates actionable insights that allow teachers to identify learning gaps and tailor interventions.
By reducing manual assessment work, the tool also saves significant administrative time, enabling educators to focus more on instruction and student engagement.
From data to action
Beyond assessment, Reading Progress establishes a clear pathway from evaluation to intervention. It connects foundational literacy with broader digital and AI-readiness skills, helping learners build confidence not only in reading but also in navigating technology-enabled environments.
“Literacy remains one of our biggest national challenges, with many learners still not meeting expected proficiency levels,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said.
“Reading Progress gives us a clear starting point to understand where our students are today, and through our partnership with Microsoft, we aim to significantly raise literacy outcomes in the coming years so every child builds the strong foundation they deserve.”
Angara added that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Five-Point Education Agenda, which prioritizes learning recovery, learner well-being, teacher support, digitalization, and strong education governance.
Scaling teacher support
As part of DepEd’s ARAL (Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning) program launched in September 2025, Microsoft has begun enabling educators in 25 school districts nationwide.
The program targets 3,000 teachers across 1,500 schools throughout 2026, supporting classroom instruction through technology-enabled tools and training.
To further expand responsible AI use in education, DepEd launched AGAP.AI (Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence) on Jan. 9, 2026.
The initiative is the country’s first nationwide program for responsible AI integration in basic education, aiming to train 1.5 million students, teachers, and parents in AI literacy and ethical use.
Preparing for change
Speaking at the AGAP.AI launch at Quezon City Science High School, Marcos underscored the urgency of preparing schools for a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence.
“Our responsibility now is to ensure that our students use AI confidently and ethically,” he said.
“These initiatives will ensure that AI in education keeps pace with technology and that every Filipino benefits from new innovations.”
Shared responsibility
Microsoft Philippines country general manager Jonathan Que said the scale of DepEd’s system presents both opportunity and responsibility.
“With more than 24 million students, our goal is to help elevate national literacy in close partnership with DepEd,” Que said.
“By leveraging trusted platforms and solutions, we aim to empower educators, inspire learners, and help build a future-ready nation where knowledge fuels inclusive growth.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
