Reading, in this day and age, has become even more important

In the Philippines, National Reading Month is celebrated every November. The notion of commemorating reading and learning in the country started out in 2011, after former education secretary and Lasallian brother Armin Luistro declared the 11th month of the year as the unofficial month-long celebration. Meanwhile, the Department of Education also announced that Nov. 25 be “Araw ng Pagbasa (Reading Day).” Coinciding with the two events are National Book Development Month—under Proclamation 1436 series of 2007—and National Book Week—under Proclamation 109 series of 1936—during the fourth week of November. These initiatives were aligned with then Pres. Benigno Aquino’s Every Child A Reader program.

The literacy program had simple goals, which are to hold a read-a-thon and recognize outstanding readers,to organize daily 15-20 minute reading time, to let older students help out younger readers, to conduct remedial reading classes, to allow pupils to learn a new word and read a paragraph daily, and to allot an hour of library time weekly.

Promoting literacy is believed to prepare the youth for success. Beyond the functional level, being literate plays a significant role in transforming students into socially engaged students. Being literate means being able to communicate effectively, being able to understand and keep up with current events, and being equipped well enough for the challenges of life. Reading is the pillar of literacy.

Celebrate the day with a book. Better yet, read a book every day!

With the digital shift forced upon us by the pandemic, fake news has become prevalent, therefore careful reading and comprehension are now more essential. And because we’re all hostages of the virus, our only means of travel, at least for the time being, is through books.

Books hold limitless knowledge. There is a book for just about anything. There are incredibly insightful learning materials like AA Patawaran’s Write Here Write Now that contains profound and practical tips on the craft of writing, while on the other side of the spectrum, absurd and experimental books such as Italo Calvino's If on a Winter's Night a Traveler, which is also about reading.

So maybe, reading is the one thing we badly need right now. It is our vaccine for ignorance. Our portal to places we cannot visit for a while, or to places impossible to go to altogether. In all likelihood, it is also our doorway to a better tomorrow.