Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, recently marked the successful culmination of its Reading for Excellence and Development (READ) Program at Pinagsanhan Elementary School (PES) in Maragondon, Cavite.
The READ Program ran from January to April 2026 and supported 30 Grade 1 and Grade 2 PES students through structured learning sessions and the provision of necessary reading materials. This initiative aimed to help address learning gaps while encouraging students to build confidence, improve comprehension, and develop a stronger appreciation for reading.
“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. This initiative reflects our commitment to working with partners and communities to help create better opportunities for Filipino children,” he added.
The culmination activity gathered students, teachers, volunteers, and program partners to celebrate the learners’ progress and recognize the collective efforts that helped bring the program to life. The event was attended by representatives from PCPPI, led by Rhoyal Ancheta, Senior Public Relations Manager, and Gawad Kalinga, represented by Nikko Navida, Area Development Officer.
Where reading meets hope
Throughout the program, school leaders and teachers likewise observed meaningful changes among students. According to PES School Principal Lilibeth Marquez, student engagement improved significantly: “Naging matagumpay ang programa dahil nakita namin ang interes ng mga bata at ang malaking improvement nila sa pagbabasa.”
“Malaking bagay ang READ Program para sa aming Grade 1 at Grade 2 learners. Bago sila pumasok sa susunod na baitang, hindi lang sila basta marunong magbasa. Naiintindihan na rin nila ang kanilang binabasa at alam nila ang ibig sabihin nito,” said Evelyn Gabay, PES teacher and READ Program volunteer teacher.
Jonabeth Muyrong, PES teacher and READ Program volunteer teacher, shared that the program helped address the specific areas where learners needed support: “Napakalaki ng naitulong ng programa dahil natutukan ang mga bahagi kung saan nahihirapan ang mga bata. Dahil dito, mas naging handa sila para sa susunod na school year.”
Furthermore, for Navida, the program carried a message of hope made possible through collaboration.
“Para sa mga estudyanteng naging bahagi ng READ Program, nawa’y palagi nilang tandaan na ang programang ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagbabasa. Ito rin ay pag-asang ibinigay sa kanila ng mga volunteers at partners na naniniwalang sa ating bansa, walang imposible kung magtutulungan tayo,” Navida said.
The READ Program forms part of PCPPI’s broader commitment to community development and supports the company’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier. More information about PCPPI and its products is available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.
