The Malabon City government inaugurated the newly renovated library of Dela Paz Elementary School on Monday, August 19, the city government announced.
(Photos from Malabon City Government/MANILA BULLETIN)
City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Links Philippines led the inauguration ceremony.
The initiative was part of the 18th Hooked on Books Library and Reading program of the city government.
According to the city’s public information office, the city’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (CTCAO) and Links Philippines conducted a two-day library renovation last August 17 and 18.
It added that artists from Malabon and Baguio City, along with the local government collaborated to create mural paintings and install furniture that will enhance the library’s appearance and make it attractive to children.
(Photos from Malabon City Government/MANILA BULLETIN)
"Naniniwala po ako na sa bawat pahina ng libro ay pinto patungo sa bagong mundo ng kaalaman at imahinasyon. Sa tulong ng ating bagong aklatan, mas magiging masigla at kapanapanabik anv pag-aaral ng ating mga mag-aaral (I believe that every page of a book is a doorway to a new world of knowledge and imagination. With the help of our new library, learning will become more vibrant and exciting for our students),” Sandoval said.
"Ang layunin ng proyektong ito ay hindi lamang magbigay ng maayos at modernong pasildad sa mga estudyante, kundi hikayatin silang maging masigasig sa pag-aaral at sa paglinang ng kanilang kaalaman (The goal of this project is not only to provide students with a well-equipped and modern facility but also to encourage them to be more enthusiastic about learning and in developing their knowledge)," she added.
The mayor added that the links Philippines also donated children’s books for the library.
She also encouraged the students to use the library, emphasizing the importance of reading as a foundation for a strong education and a key to achieving their dreams.
“Alam po natin na ang pagbabasa ay pundasyon ng isang matatag na edukasyon at ito ang magiging susi upang maabot ng ating mga kabataan ang kanilang mga pangarap (We know that reading is the foundation of a strong education, and it will be the key for our youth to reach their dreams),” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, Links Philippines President Maria Consuelo Doble emphasized the importance of having a library in every school, especially public schools.
"Napakahalaga po na may ganito ang mga paaralan lalo na yung mga public schools, kasi ito po ang sentro ng school. Ang mga bata, they long ba magkaroon po sila ng isang library na hindi sila mapipilitang magbasa kasi gusto nilang pumasok kasi makulay, maganda, maraming libro (It’s crucial for schools, especially public schools, to have something like this because it serves as the heart of the school. The children long to have a library where they won’t feel forced to read but will want to enter because it’s colorful, beautiful, and filled with many books),” she said.
Doble also shared that they trained teachers to manage the library and assist students in their learning journey.
The event was also attended by Topbest Printing Corporation Executive Director John Gabriel Co, Malabon Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Cecille Carandang, CTCAO Officer-in-Charge Catherine Larracas, school representatives, and other guests.