QUEZON CITY, 22 November 2023— Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education Sara Z. Duterte reminded learners the importance of developing reading habits during the culmination program of the 2023 Pambansang Buwan at Araw ng Pagbasa last Tuesday.

In her keynote speech, VP Sara underscored the importance of reading and developing the right reading habits of learners to achieve literacy, as well as the support and encouragement of parents that will play a vital role in building the habit.

“Sa mga batang nanunuod, gusto kong malaman ninyo na ang pagbabasa ay magbibigay sainyo ng pinakamalakas na sandata upang harapin ang inyong kinabukasan,” VP Sara said.

“You hold a vital role in shaping the reading habits of the children around you. Your influence in invaluable and I urge you to inspire and encourage the young ones to embrace the power of reading,” she added.

With the theme: Pagbasa: Pag-asa para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan, Sec. Sara highlight the immense power that lies within the simple act of reading and how urging the learners can make the impact for increased literacy.

The Secretary also formally launched her very own children’s book titled “Isang Kaibigan.” She shared that her inspiration for the book are the Filipino children.

Additionally, Sec. Duterte also bared the plans of the Department in increasing literacy in classrooms. For 2024, the Department will be implementing a “catch-up” Friday program which aims to foster reading habits among learners.

Through this program, schools will allot a free day for learners to read, thereby encouraging reading habits and cementing the importance of reading for their overall learning experience.

The program was attended by the Quezon City LGU headed by Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto, DepEd NCR, DepEd SDO Quezon City, DepEd Central Office Officials, teachers, and parents.

A simultaneous reading session was also conducted by some DepEd Central Office Officials and teachers from SDO Quezon City to end the program.

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