Mabel Sunga Acosta: Araw ng Pagbasa

Friday, November 25, 2016

Araw ng Pagbasa

Araw ng Pagbasa 2016 (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Araw ng Pagbasa is an annual reading advocacy program that began in 2008. It developed into a citywide campaign in 2009 through Quezon City Resolution No. 332-2009. Every year, public elementary schools and high schools in Quezon City simultaneously held storytelling sessions about historical personalities and different aspects of Filipino culture and heritage. Daycare centers, private schools, hospitals, communities and offices in the city also participated in this event. In 2011, the Department of Education included the observance of Araw ng Pagbasa as a culminating activity of National Reading Month which falls in the month of November. This began the cascading of the advocacy nationwide. In May 2013, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10556 or the “Araw ng Pag(b)asa Act”. In such a short span of time, it has grown from a district wide advocacy into a nationwide program. Anyone who is committed to the love of reading and the spread of hope for our country can turn Araw ng Pagbasa into a relevant and effective movement.

Ms. Luna Acosta reading the story "Ang Dalawang Haring Siga" (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Studies show that many children skip school due to lack of personal interest. According to the United Nations Development Programme, non-conventional approaches are necessary to improve access to primary education. Our own Constitution encourages non-formal approaches to learning. Araw ng Pagbasa is a practical and creative tool to improve literacy, designed to especially benefit those who have minimal access to traditional learning methods. It aims to motivate reading among our children, communities, educators, and leaders and make reading a fun and shared physical experience. By promoting reading, especially on topics involving Filipino heroes and our heritage, we are building the foundations for learning and love of country.

Kids attentively listening to the story of Ms. Luna Acosta (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Araw ng Pagbasa is primarily a call for every child to be read to by an adult. Thus, storytelling sessions are simultaneously held, whether in Filipino, English, or a local dialect. Here in Davao City, the Office of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta organized a small reading activity with the Day-Care Center students of Barangay 5-A. Around 50 kids were gathered in the Reading Room of People's Park for a morning reading time.

Kids attentively listening to the story of Ms. Luna Acosta (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The daughter of Councilor Acosta, Luna Acosta read the story of "Ang Dalawang Haring Siga" to the kids. The kids attentively listened to every part of the story. They also answered questions thrown to them along the way.The parents were very happy seeing their kids take part of this activity.

Overall, the activity was a success and kids were very happy with the story read to them and their new books received.

After the reading and story telling activity, Team Acosta shared a simple snack with the kids then a photo op right after.

Team Acosta is very thankful for the support of the local government, especially with the City Environment Office headed by Engr. Eliza P. Madrazo for allowing us to use the Reading Room facility of People's Park. Also, to the ever supportive Day Care teachers and Barangay Officials of barangay 5-A for allowing us to bring the kids in the park and be part of the activity. And of course, to the parents that gave their full support and event escorted their kids all the way.