To address the nation’s reading crisis, the National Book Development Board {NBDB}, through its Readership Development Division {READ}, has organized the Readers Rising! Hackathon, where the youth are invited to pitch their ideas on how to help solve this big problem on readership: How do we rekindle a love of reading for young Filipino adults?
Recent findings from the Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey {FLEMMS} conducted by the Philippine Statistical Authority {PSA} in 2024 highlight the urgency of addressing this crisis. The survey showed alarming gaps in literacy rates, especially among young Filipinos.
This hackathon aims to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table, empowering the Filipino youth to contribute solutions that can help overcome this pressing issue.
The best part is, the winning idea that can help end the reading crisis can earn PHP 60,000 for the creative thinker.
Rex Education marked its 75th anniversary at AECON 2025, held on January 16-17 at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque. The theme, celebrating 75 Years of Commitment to Quality Education: Seamless and Meaningful Learning Experiences Through Assessment, Intervention, and Enrichment, highlighted the company’s dedication to education. Nearly 1,000 educators, school leaders, and stakeholders attended the two-day event, which focused on addressing key educational challenges through insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing.
Gathering of Change Makers in Education
Each year, AECON addresses pressing issues in education, equipping teachers and leaders with valuable insights and solutions. This year, as part of its 75th anniversary, the focus is on creating seamless and meaningful learning experiences for every learner and educator.
In his opening remarks, REX COO Roger John Y. Fontelera highlighted that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. He stated, “This year’s AECON isn’t about giving ready-made solutions. Instead, it’s about creating a space for reflection, learning, and collaboration. We want to provide you with stepping stones—resources, strategies, and ideas—that you can adapt to meet the specific needs of your schools, communities, and learners.”
Department of Education {DepEd} Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of preparing Filipino learners for an increasingly digital world. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing future-ready learners by integrating technology, enhancing critical thinking, and strengthening public-private collaborations.
One key session featured a panel discussion with respected education experts and policymakers:
Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director o of the Second Congressional Commission on Education {EDCOM 2}
Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo, Professor at the University of the Philippines and former DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching
Ms. Rhodora Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee {PEAC}
Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, Legal Counsel of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations {COCOPEA}
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused not only economic downturn around the globe, but also educational disruptions, as most governments were forced to close schools to stop the spread of the virus.
As the pandemic is shaping the educational paradigm, Acer Philippines, the country’s leading computer brand in the PC market, has been at the forefront in ensuring that its Acer Academy program members will continue to benefit from the advancements of its EdTech capacity, amid the modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
Acer recently launched a webinar ~ in partnership with school administrators, educators, and stakeholders who are adept in educational computerization ~ to tackle the challenges in the “new normal” and provide opportunities for innovations in the field of e-learning to facilitate the continuity of education.
The webinar garnered a total of 1,077 online registrants, which indicate a growing public interest in subject matters relating to new learning platforms amid the pandemic.