1.  One of the main thrusts of the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) is to ensure that every child is a successful reader at the end of Grade III.

2.  Concomitant to this thrust, the Department of Education, shall enforce the policy “Every Child A Reader” beginning School Year 2002-2003. It is expected that no pupil will be promoted to the next higher grade unless he/she manifests mastery of the basic literacy skills in a particular grade level. All possible means of assistance and encouragement shall be extended to enable the child to read.

3.  In this connection, all schools are enjoined to develop a School-Based Reading Program that includes the conduct of an inventory of the children’s reading ability, a diagnosis of those who need further reading instruction and appropriate measures to improve reading comprehension.

4.  Immediate dissemination of this Order is desired.