First, CANVAS signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara. Through this partnership, we will develop two new books—entirely at no cost to DepEd—for new and young Filipino parents. Backed by guidance from experts in child development, these books will target two critical early learning stages: ages 0–4 and 5–8.
In turn, DepEd will print and distribute the books nationwide, enabling them to reach potentially millions of families, especially in underserved communities.
This is more than just another project. The Philippines is facing a serious literacy crisis. Reports commissioned by the Government have laid bare the foundational gaps in our education system, especially among the youngest learners. Functional illiteracy, compounded by malnutrition and limited access to early learning materials, leaves too many children unprepared for school, and left behind for life.
This collaboration addresses a core challenge: the Philippines’ literacy crisis, where malnutrition, lack of access to books, and foundational learning gaps hinder far too many children before they even begin formal schooling. It gives us another opportunity to do what we can to help change that, and to move forward with hope.By creating content that brings pare nts and children together where learning truly begins - at home - we are planting the seeds of lasting change. And by working with DepEd, there is a chance we can do so at scale.
Through this project, we aim to empower parents, plant the seeds of literacy where it matters most — at home — and spark a ripple effect that transforms communities and futures.
