TELUS Digital Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to education by raising ₱1.825 million in support of World Vision’s Abutin Na10 campaign, a nationwide initiative focused on bridging literacy gaps among Filipino students in underserved areas.
The donation, made possible through the collective efforts of more than 5,200 TELUS team members, will support Brigada Pagbasa—World Vision’s reading remediation program designed to help children enhance their literacy and comprehension skills. The funds will go toward the printing and distribution of over 8,000 learning modules for last-mile schools that lack adequate access to learning resources.
The fundraising campaign took place throughout February and March and culminated in the successful #RaceForLiteracy Fun Run, held in Manila on April 27 and in Iloilo on May 4. The events brought together over 2,600 participants—employees, families, and friends—who ran not just for health, but for a cause that seeks to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn to read.
Since its partnership with World Vision began in 2021, TELUS Digital Philippines has now contributed a total of ₱7.7 million to Abutin Na10, reaching thousands of students across isolated and resource-scarce communities.
“This partnership reflects our core belief that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” said Phoebe Carrera, CSR Senior Manager for Asia-Pacific at TELUS Digital Philippines. “We are proud to stand with World Vision in supporting literacy programs that create lasting impact. This is our ‘#GiveWhereWeLive’ commitment in action.”
The urgency of the cause is underscored by recent statistics. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 survey shows a steep drop in functional literacy, with only 70.8% of Filipinos aged 10 to 64 deemed functionally literate—down from 91.6% in 2019. Moreover, a World Bank report reveals that 90% of 10-year-old Filipino children struggle to read and understand age-appropriate texts.
“Volunteering for Brigada Pagbasa opened my eyes to how powerful even a few hours can be,” said Leah Rachel Fradejas, a TELUS volunteer. “Helping a child read their first sentence with confidence—it’s a feeling that stays with you.”
Program Director Geomel Jetonzo echoed the sentiment: “When a community comes together to support learning, real transformation happens. TELUS Digital Philippines’ support allows us to reach children who would otherwise be left behind.”
Beyond this campaign, TELUS Digital Philippines continues to promote education through other outreach programs, such as Brigada Eskwela and its donation of 135 computers to public schools through the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines’ Byte the Gap initiative.
Whether through classroom volunteering, technology support, or literacy initiatives, TELUS Digital Philippines is actively helping shape a future where more Filipino children can thrive through education.