Reading awareness

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of teachers and students both in private and public schools nationwide simultaneously conducted story-telling sessions on Friday to celebrate “National Reading Day” or “Araw ng Pagbasa” as declared by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Education Secretary Armin Luistro led the culmination activity of the “National Reading Month” this November by reading to Grade IV pupils at the Old Balara Elementary School in Quezon City with Quezon City Third District Rep. Jorge “Bolet” Banal.
A total of 40 students listened to Luistro as he read “Ang Pambihirang Buhok Ni Lola” by National Book Awardee Rene Villanueva which is a tale about an old woman who has not only extraordinary hair but extraordinary character and courage.
“By giving importance to Araw ng Pagbasa, we promote reading and literacy among learners even as we motivate them to learn from the lives and works of eminent Filipinos,” Luistro explained.
“Araw ng Pagbasa” was first initiated by Banal in 2008 when he was 3rd district councilor of Quezon City. The reading program was expanded as a citywide campaign in 2009, and became an annual advocacy commemorating the birth of martyred Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
Banal said that alternative learning mechanisms like reading motivation and awareness campaigns are practical teaching tools and strategies for educators that benefit poor and marginalized students who have minimal access to traditional learning methods and quality teaching materials.

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