Pcppi and Gawad Kalinga Celebrate Read Program Success in Cavite

The education initiative helped young learners strengthen reading comprehension, build confidence, and prepare for the next school year.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, has successfully concluded its Reading for Excellence and Development (READ) Program at Pinagsanhan Elementary School (PES) in Maragondon, Cavite.

The program, which ran from January to April 2026, supported 30 Grade 1 and Grade 2 students through structured reading sessions and the provision of essential learning materials.

Designed to address learning gaps, the initiative aimed to improve reading comprehension while helping students gain confidence and develop a stronger appreciation for reading.

The culmination event gathered students, teachers, volunteers, and program partners to celebrate the learners’ progress and recognize the collective effort behind the initiative.

Representing PCPPI during the event was Rhoyal Ancheta, Senior Public Relations Manager, while Nikko Navida, Area Development Officer, represented Gawad Kalinga.

“At PCPPI, we believe that education is one of the most meaningful ways we can help create lasting impact in the communities we serve,” said Joongmin Kim, PCPPI Chief Strategy Officer.

“Through the READ Program, we are honored to support young learners as they build stronger reading skills, gain confidence, and discover what they can achieve through learning.”

Teachers and school leaders observed notable improvements among participating students throughout the program.

According to PES School Principal Lilibeth Marquez, student engagement and reading ability significantly improved during the initiative.

Volunteer teacher Evelyn Gabay noted that learners were able to move beyond basic reading and began developing deeper comprehension skills.

Meanwhile, volunteer teacher Jonabeth Muyrong emphasized that the focused intervention helped address specific areas where students needed additional support.

For Gawad Kalinga, the READ Program represented more than literacy development.

Navida described the initiative as a symbol of hope made possible through collaboration among educators, volunteers, and community partners.

The READ Program forms part of PCPPI’s broader commitment to community development and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, which promotes inclusive and equitable education for all.

As the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, PCPPI continues to invest in programs that create meaningful impact beyond business.

Through initiatives like READ, the company reinforces its commitment to empowering Filipino communities through education and opportunity.

The takeaway: The READ Program shows how collaborative education initiatives can create lasting change by helping young learners build confidence, skills, and hope for the future.