THE DEPARTMENT of Education highlighted the importance of reading at an early age, saying literacy is the key to critical thinking and discovery.

“Importante na simula sa murang edad ay matutunan natin na mahalin at pahalagahan ang pagbabasa,” DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong said during the 2022 Reading Day celebration that served as the culminating event of the 2022 National Reading Month.

“Ang pagbasa ang nagsisilbing daan upang tuklasin ang malawak na mundo sa ating paligid at mas kilalanin ang sarili nating potensyal upang magsimula ng positibong pagbabago gaya ng mga paborito nating tauhan sa mga kuwento,” she added.

Gonong further said that through reading, students can enhance their writing skills.

“Sa pagbasa, nalilinang natin ang kakayahang magbasa, magsulat at magbilang na mahahalagang elemento ng pagkatuto at pundasyon ng habambuhay na pagkatuto. Instrumento rin ang pagbasa sa paglinang ng mga indibidwal na kakayahan na kailangan ng sinuman upang magtagumpay sa hinaharap,” she pointed out.

Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio served as reading ambassador of the celebration to champion reading, literature, and literacy.

The NRM promotes a love for reading among students and raises awareness of the important role of reading and literacy in developing critical thinking in youth. This year’s theme is “Rediscover the Legacy of Literature through Reading.”