VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte reminded learners of the importance of developing reading habits during the culmination program of the 2023 Pambansang Buwan at Araw ng Pagbasa last Tuesday.

In her keynote speech, Duterte underscored the importance of reading and developing the right reading habits for learners to achieve literacy, as well as the support and encouragement of parents who will play a vital role in building the habit.

“Sa mga batang nanonood, gusto kong malaman ninyo na ang pagbabasa ay magbibigay sa inyo ng pinakamalakas na sandata upang harapin ang inyong kinabukasan,” she said.

“You hold a vital role in shaping the reading habits of the children around you. Your influence is invaluable and I urge you to inspire and encourage the young ones to embrace the power of reading,” the DepEd chief added.

With the theme: Pagbasa: Pag-asa para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan, Duterte highlights the immense power that lies within the simple act of reading and how urging the learners can make an impact for increased literacy.

The DepEd chief also formally launched her very own children’s book titled “Isang Kaibigan.”

She shared that her inspiration for the book is the Filipino children.

Duterte also bared the plans of the DepEd to increase literacy in classrooms. For 2024, the agency will be implementing a “catch-up” Friday program that aims to foster reading habits among learners.

Through this program, schools will allot a free day for learners to read, thereby encouraging reading habits and cementing the importance of reading for their overall learning experience.