As part of the celebration of the 2023 National Reading Month (NRM) this November, Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte underscored the importance of developing a passion for reading and launched her first-ever book for children.

During the culmination program of the 2023 Pambansang Buwan at Araw ng Pagbasa, Duterte highlighted the importance of reading and developing the right reading habits of learners to achieve literacy.

“Gusto kong malaman ninyo na ang pagbabasa ay magbibigay sainyo ng pinakamalakas na sandata upang harapin ang inyong kinabukasan (I want you to know that reading will give you the strongest weapon to face your future),” Duterte told learners.

Duterte also reminded the learners that reading enhances imagination, broadens knowledge, and gives them the ability to see wider possibilities amidst their limitations.

“Tandaan, sa ating mga kabataan, na ang pagbabasa ay ang pintuan patungo sa isang maligaya at matatag na kinabukasan (Remember, to our youth, that reading is the gateway to a happy and resilient future),” Duterte added.

Meanwhile, Duterte also underscored the importance of support and encouragement coming from parents that will “play a vital role” in building the habit of reading. 

“You hold a vital role in shaping the reading habits of the children around you,” she said. “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,” Duterte stressed the immense power that lies within the simple act of reading and how urging the learners can make an impact for increased literacy.

Catch-up Fridays

As part of DepEd’s plans to increase literacy in classrooms, Duterte also announced that next year, the department will be implementing a “catch-up” Friday program that aims to foster reading habits among learners.

DepEd said that through this program, schools will allot a free day for learners to read. Learners are expected to develop their reading habits and will have a better understanding of the importance of reading for their “overall learning experience.” 

First-ever children’s book

Inspired by Filipino children, Duterte also formally launched her very own children’s book.

Titled “Isang Kaibigan,” Duterte shared that the Filipino children inspired her to write her book when she was invited for a book reading session. She was also told by a close friend to read books by Filipino authors.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga batang Pilipino (I am grateful to the Filipino youth) because they gave me the inspiration to write the book,” she said.

Duterte’s “Isang Kaibigan” follows the story of Kwago and Loro and teaches how the power of true friendship can "overcome even the toughest challenges that may befall anyone."

The book was illustrated by Janina Simbillo and Joseph Caligner of the Public Affairs Service- Creative Media Unit of the Department.

Duterte shared that she will soon donate copies of her book to the school libraries nationwide.