The National Book Development Board (NBDB) believes that the determination of reading advocates in the Philippines remains strong despite the current challenges facing the state of reading in the country.
The State of the Reading Nation Address (SORNA) for the second quarter of this year was presented during the inaugural Milestone Meeting of the National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA). This initiative, a project of the NBDB, brings together numerous readership advocates and plays a crucial role in the NBDB’s ongoing efforts to foster a love for reading in the Philippines.
The second-quarter SORNA highlighted three key areas: the importance of community engagement and support networks, the necessity of teacher training and professional development, and the critical issue of access to resources and materials.
“To address these vital points, advocates and stakeholders across government, non-government, and private sectors are working tirelessly to rekindle a love for reading among Filipino adults and children and to prevent a reading crisis,” emphasized Daniel Lorenzo Mariano, OIC of NBDB’s Readership Development Division (READ).
Established in the second quarter, the NARA and its members are collaboratively working to enhance Philippine readership. In April, the NBDB hosted the second edition of its flagship event, the Philippine Book Festival (PBF), a four-day fair attended by over 30,000 people. This event also served as the platform for the soft launch of NARA. The all-Filipino book fair aims to promote a culture of reading and simultaneously support the growth of the publishing industry in the country.
In response to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, which underscored the need to address literacy and reading issues, the Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted a science-based approach to teaching reading. Stakeholders are hopeful that the incoming DepEd chief, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, will advocate for reading and address the country’s literacy challenges.
In collaboration with DepEd, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is promoting a reading mindset through its nationwide tutoring program, “Tara, Basa.” This initiative has trained thousands of student-tutors and youth development workers to conduct reading sessions for struggling and non-reader Grade 2 learners in public elementary schools. The program also includes “Nanay-Tatay” teacher sessions to empower parents and guardians to actively support their children’s reading journeys.
Several Local Government Units (LGUs), along with private and non-profit organizations, have also launched their own readership development programs.
Other efforts implemented during the second quarter aim to foster a reading culture among Filipinos and shape the country’s reading landscape.
“The NBDB, through NARA, is working on developing a NARA Readers’ Agenda. Alongside passionate advocates such as educators, librarians, publishers, community leaders, and students, we will continue to raise our collective voice to highlight the power of reading and make it an exciting and enriching adventure,” added Mariano.
For the second year running, the National Book Development Board Philippines (NBDB) is brining together publishers, authors, artists, education, and readers at the country’s biggest traveling book festival.
Taking place at the World Trade Center in Pasay from April 25 to 28, 2024, the PBF is a four-day celebration showcasing the richness of Philippine literature, culture, and arts. This unique book fair integrates education, entertainment, tourism, and shopping into family-friendly event.
In addition to the extensive collection of published works and titles from the Philippines, this year’s festival offers a diverse range of talks and workshops.
Highlights include “A day with Gwy Saludes.” featuring an exclusive book signing and meet-and-greet session with the author. Historian and bestselling author Ambeth Ocampo will lead “Ambeth Without the Overcoat,” a book signing session. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee, will present “Trip to Quiapo,” while “Dahiling Nick: A Tribute to National Artists Nik Joaquin” will honor the renowned writer. Other sessions include “Aklat Para Sa Accla: New Trends in Boys Love and Girls Love,” “Comics Can Change the World” with Patti Ramos, and “Zine-making 101,” a workshop on crafting independent-produced “fanzines” led by Komiket’s Bunny Luz.
Attendees can anticipate the comeback of the Rare Book Collection by the National Library of the Philippines, which will feature a new selection of rare manuscripts and facsimiles; the Book Bar -a library of sorts filled with award-winning books; Cosplay Filipinia, a cosplay competition allowing fans to portray their beloved Philippine literacy characters; and Guhit Pambata, an exhibit highlighting the creations of some of our best children’s book illustrators. This year, the PBF will launch Tabuan Food Hall, wherein guests can feast in between pages.
The festival brings back its four popular realms: Kid Lit, a land just for children, Komiks, which puts the spotlight on Pinoy komiks, Booktopia, home to an abundance of fiction and non-fiction titles, and Aral Aklat, which is devoted to textbooks and educational materials. There will be a Creators lab, Main Stage, and Kids-at-Play that highlight exciting talks, activities, and workshops more specific to the interests of readers and fans of those pages.
Panels, puppet shows, storytelling with surprise television and movie celebrities, and live performances are excluded throughout the four-day festival.
NBDB Executive Director Charise Aquino-Tugade
This year, we have more authors and we bring together the best Philippine content for the entire family. The country needs more reading spaces that encourage conversation, creation and collaboration. Ang Philippine Book Festival ang nagsisilbing panghikayat ng NBDB sa iba pang mga organisasyon na lumahok at makiisa sa mga programang magtutulak sa mga Filipino na magbasa dahil ang aklat ay para sa lahat,” said NBDB Executive Director Charise Aquino-Tugade.
The event is longer this year to give ample time for teachers, librarians, and organizations to research the books they need for their schools. Similar to last year, NBDB is working closely with Department of Education (DepEd) to train more than 750 book evaluation and procurement officers to scope and evaluate books to purchase for public school libraries and library hubs. Evaluators from all over the country will fly in to source educational books for the students of their regions.
A Feast for the Eyes
The festival will be a feast for the eyes too as it features the designs of talented graphic designer and children’s book illustrators. Marc Vincent Soriano, Liza Flores, and Beth Parrocha. Parrocha designed the four realms, finding inspiration in the four major elements: water for Kid; earth for Komiks; fire for Aral Aklat; and air for Booktopia. Each realm has its color as well – pink, purple, yellow, and aqua – to make it easy for guests to figure out which part of the festival they’re in.
“I had fun doing all the visuals. It’s great opportunity for any artist to be given the whole World Trade Center as a canvas for my art,” Parrocha said.
A Strongest Culture of Reading
The Philippine Book Festival is part of the National Book Development Board’s effort to promote a culture of reading and development industry in the Philippines.
“The Philippine Book Festival is part of the National Book Development Board’s effort to promote a culture of reading and develop the publishing industry in the Philippines.
“The Philippine Book Fair is a program that, on the one hand, is all about celebrating Philippine culture, but on the other hand, encompasses our agency’s long-term plans: improve access for every Filipino reader, democratize distribution, and enable our publishers and authors to keep Philippine books,” said Chairperson Ang.
The fair is open to the public from 8:00AN to 8:00PM on April 25-28, 2024, with no entrance fees. For more information on the Philippine Book Festival and to register for free, visit www.philippinebookfest.com.
Reference & Media Contact (Press Release dated April 03, 2024):
National Book Development Board Philippines (NBDB)
Ma. Divine R. Caraecle Project Development Officer mcaraecle@books.gov.ph +63 919 974 9770 (Viber) books.gov.ph
Allianz PNB Life Insurance Inc. (Allianz), in partnership with The Henry V. Moran Foundation (Moran Foundation), recently launched a futsal for development program: Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay. This grassroots program combines technical skills training and financial literacy development through futsal for Department of Education (DepEd) public schools.
Game time: U18 girls defending champion Valenzuela (maroon) vs Manila
“The program innovatively uses futsal, an indoor small-sided version of football, widely played in Philippine grassroots communities. Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay aims to teach public school children technical skills in football as well as basic financial literacy through capacity building trainings for teachers, training sessions with students, and competitions,” said Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Sustainability in Allianz. “Teachers who attend the training receive balls to be used in their schools, and also have the chance to be seconded to further coaching and official development programs under the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).”
For the win: Pasig U18 celebrate their U18 championship win
“Since 2008, the Moran Foundation has been supporting football for development programs in public schools, orphanages, and NGOs across the country,” said Danny Moran, Chairman of the Moran Foundation. “But we realized that a major difficulty in promoting field football in most Filipino communities and schools is the lack of access to pitches. However, all these schools have access to covered basketball courts so it was natural to use futsal (indoor 5-aside football) for the kids as it is a game that has been proven to be an excellent formator of one’s technique, skill, and game awareness.”
The Liga Eskwela Kaagapay Program promotes futsal development through the Moran Foundation’s partnership with DepEd and its close ties to the PFF. The program trains PE teachers on the basics of futsal coaching, officiating, and tournament organization, then supplements the training with futsal competitions organized by the Moran Foundation in collaboration with the PFF. In 2024, the program is currently working in all 16 school divisions/cities of the DepEd National Capital Region and in 12 school divisions/cities in DepEd Region 7. The program will also soon be implemented in Mindanao.
The program also emphasizes using futsal for the development of financial values, and trains public school teachers to utilize futsal skills and games to teach public school children basic financial literacy concepts such as goal setting, savings, and budgeting. A report published by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2023 showed that the Philippines ranks third from last in ASEAN in terms of financial literacy with only 25 percent of Filipinos being financially literate.
“Football and futsal in schools are fun for both the teachers and the students. Thus, through our partnership with the Moran Foundation, Allianz PNB Life hopes to address the financial literacy gap in the Philippines by using an attractive medium like futsal to get basic concepts across to public school teachers and students,” added Riola. “Liga Eskwela Kaagapay helps achieves Allianz PNB Life’s sustainability agenda in the country since it directly helps us address the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – Better Education.”
Liga Eskwela Kaagapay aims to work with at least 100 public school teachers to reach 10,000 public school children in collaboration with DepEd Regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Danny Moran, Chairman, The Henry V. Moran Foundation
The winners of the one-day Liga Eskwela Futsal Festival 2024 in La Salle Greenhills last Jan. 21 are as follows:
● 12U Boys: Champion – Mandaluyong; 2nd Place – Caloocan; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.
● 12U Girls: Champion – Manila; 2nd Place – Muntinlupa; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.
● 16U Boys: Champion – Pasig; 2nd Place – Caloocan; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.
● 16U Girls: Champion – Malabon; 2nd Place – Muntinlupa; 3rd Place – Parañaque.
● 18U Boys: Champion – Pasig; 2nd Place – Manila; 3rd Place – Quezon City.
● 18U Girls: Champion – Valenzuela; 2nd Place – Pasig; and 3rd Place – Caloocan.
Allianz PNB Life’s Grace Dar Santos, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR Lead; Jesus Dennis Montealto, Henry V. Moran Foundation, Program Coordinator; Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sustainability, Allianz PNB Life; Kevin Goco, Philippine Football Federation and Fang Siong Chong, Chief Financial Officer, Allianz PNB Life
Since the first Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshop was opened in 1953 (previously known as Agencia Cebuana)[KJ2] , the company has continuously provided Filipinos with ease and comfort, especially when it comes to financial access. [KJ3] More than seven decades after, Cebuana Lhuillier, remains to be a household name in the country, as it has established a strong presence in Filipino lives as the leading microfinancial services provider.
By operating close to 3,500 branches nationwide, the company has successfully reshaped the financial landscape and elevated societal access to financial products and services in many ways possible.
Over the years, the company has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of financial and social impact, therefore transcending traditional business boundaries. It has redefined the role of a f[KJ4] inancial institution as it embraces a multifaceted mission that goes beyond conventional norms. At its very core, Cebuana Lhuillier consider microfinance as a social mission rather than a business of numbers, thereby assisting Filipinos in every step of their financial wellness journey.
Moreover, the company has also launched several[KJ5] corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and specialized projects that uplift Filipinos, the company has shown its deepest intentions of helping Filipinos in the many facets of life. Aside from pushing financial wellness, Cebuana Lhuillier also advocates for education and champion sports development.
“We purposely continue to develop new products and services that we know will help uplift lives of Filipinos. We believe that our market is capable of making smart financial decisions if provided access to good products. Aside from that, we also champion education and sports as we believe that these are good tools for people to improve their lives”, says Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier’s President and CEO.
A Proponent of Financial Wellness
According to statistics, the average C and D markets often undergo the different steps of financial wellness journey which starts from bridge financing to saving up, starting a business, getting insured, and learning how to invest. In its more than four decades of operations, Cebuana Lhuillier has evolved and introduced different products that cater to the needs of people in every step of their financial wellness journey.
The first one among these steps is bridge financing, which is something Cebuana Lhuillier has been long addressing through its pawning services. Aside from that, the company also offers loans, as well as money transfer products and services, to help Filipinos get funding that will get them through various scenarios.
The next step of financial wellness highlights the importance of saving up and a chance to safely store money. With this, the company launched the Micro Savings Account through Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, providing Filipinos an affordable and easy way to open an account and save money. Through this, Filipinos may open an account that doesn’t require a maintaining balance for as low as PHP 50 and with just one valid ID.
The next step is to open up a business, which is why Cebuana Lhuillier launched the KaNegosyo Center (KNC) which empowers MSMEs by helping them to start and grow their business. The company also offers Microbiz loans that can serve as capital for budding and existing business ventures.
For people with enough savings and for those who have their own business, there is an important need to be protected. This is where Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers (CLIB) and its products come in. The exceptional insurance products, such as ProtectMax which provides death benefits, accident or sickness emergency cash assistance, accidental dismemberment and/or disablement Benefit, among others for as low as PHP 50. Another remarkable offering is HealthMax[KJ6] , which has affordable offers that allows Filipinos between 15 and 65 years old to receive an annual maximum benefit of PHP 150,000 for emergency care and hospitalization in over 282 accredited hospitals nationwide.
The company also offers the Miners Protect for miners who were once considered uninsurable due to the risks that come with their job.
Lastly, Cebuana Lhuillier has also paved the way for affordable and valuable investment products that people can go for, especially for those who wish to attain a full circle moment in their financial wellness journey. The company has made it possible through the likes of Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry, Cebuana Lhuillier Gold, and even through the Atram partnership through the KNC which enables people to invest in stocks for as low as PHP 50.
Through such offerings, Cebuana Lhuillier has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to financial inclusion.
An Advocate of Education
More than just being an established name in the financial space, Cebuana Lhuillier also highlights the importance of education in Filipino lives. Through the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the company opened almost 150 Alternative Learning System (ALS) Centers nationwide with the goal of helping out-of-school youth and adults to complete their education, thus becoming the foundation’s biggest project.
The foundation achieves its goal by holding classes, workshops, and even symposiums. Cebuana Lhuillier’s program also extends its support to ALS programs of different schools by providing buildings, classrooms, and halls through donations. [KJ7]
What sets the Cebuana Lhuillier ALS program apart is that it secures every facility with the latest equipment. The foundation is also hands-on when it comes to the reproduction of reviewers and modules that their students will need. This makes the students under the Cebuana Lhuillier ALS program better equipped.
Aside from that, Cebuana Lhuillier’s ALS program also provides incentives to teachers, so that they can stay motivated to provide the best education for their students.
Over the years, Cebuana Lhuillier has also empowered dedicated students through its scholarship programs.
A Champion of Sports Development
Cebuana Lhuillier and its President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier has been supporting sports for more than four decades already, as he started with basketball with successful teams in the Metropolitan Basketball Association, Philippine Basketball League, and the PBA D League. Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri were also at the forefront of the gold medal winning teams from 2003 to 2007.
But it is in softball and tennis that JHL has made the most impact on, until now. They are behind the very successful Philippine softball and tennis programs in the country, focusing both on national team support and grassroots development.
In tennis, Jean Henri Lhuillier was also instrumental in bringing top tennis superstars such as Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, among others to the country in 2014 to 2015 as co-owner and team manager of the Manila/Philippine Mavericks. [KJ8]
Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier have been supporting the country’s top players for several years such as Cecil Mamiit, Treat Huey, Eric Taimo, Ruben Gonzales, Katharina Lehnert, and Francis Casey Alcantara among others. They have also organized close to 2000 age group tournaments all over the country for the past two decades. Until now, they are continuing this with Jean Henri as the president of the Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP).
With Jean Henri as the long-time president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri have been at the forefront of ensuring success in international softball competitions of both RP Blu Girls and RP Blu Boys. Over the past decade, both teams have garnered more than ten gold medals in sea games and several podium finishes in the Asian softball competitions. Most recently, they enjoyed their best year in 2023 with four teams qualifying and competing in the world cup. Both the Blu Girls and the Blu Boys had the highest world ranking among Philippine sports teams by ranking 14th in the overall standing of World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
Becoming a Constant Presence in Filipino Lives
In the symphony of pushing with its mission to uplift Filipino lives, Cebuana Lhuillier cements itself at the forefront of companies which committed themselves to be a gamechanger. By having a wide range of products, services, education and sports initiatives that are matched with unwavering dedication, the company pledges to unfold its pursuit of inspiring positive change.
baka almost four decades lang since Cebuana started in 1987 [KJ1]
mention agencia cebuana [KJ2]
financial access [KJ3]
financial wellness [KJ4]
Moreover… [KJ5]
basta emphasize na iba yung CSR initiatives kaysa sa company mission
provide descirptions for each offer [KJ6]
add miners protect for previously uninsured miners
add incentives to teachers for them to stay motivated and give their best for their students [KJ7]
Shopee supports the learning community along with World Vision and the Department of Education
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners with World Vision and the Department of Education (DepEd) to support the youth and the education continuity programs during the pandemic.
Abutin Na10 Fundraising Drive with World Vision
Shopee partners with World Vision to be its exclusive e-commerce partner for its Abutin Na10 campaign to support the DepEd’s initiatives on Filipino youth’s learning continuity. The campaign aims to raise funds to provide students with limited services online and other learning tools to help them with distance learning.
Rommel V. Fuerte, Executive Director at World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., said, “World Vision, in partnership with the Department of Education, launched Abutin Na10 to help learners cope with learning continuity challenges brought by COVID19. It is heartwarming to know that more and more organizations like Shopee want to provide them gadgets and printed learning modules so learners can study safely in their homes. We pray that God will continue to bless you as you give hope to children.”
Learning Through Radios
Also, Shopee collaborates with the Department of Education to donate transistor radios for students in rural districts. Transistor radios will allow students with no signal or access to the internet to listen to broadcasted lessons from DepEd.
Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq, Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships and Project Management Service at DepEd, said, “We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to our partners World Vision and Shopee for this very successful Virtual Launching of their joint partnership for the Abutin Na10 Campaign; as well Shopee’s donations of radio transistors for our learners in remote areas. With the support of these partners, we will surely give our learners quality basic education amidst this pandemic. Let us continue to join our hands and work together for the welfare and future of our Filipino learners.”
With Shopee’s partnership with both organizations, Filipino students can continue their education during the pandemic.
Martin Yu, Associate Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is glad to partner with World Vision and the Department of Education to help the Filipino youth continue learning amidst the pandemic. We understand the importance of education and are committed to making a difference in Filipino children’s lives. We will continue to step up on our efforts to better serve the Filipino community, especially during these challenging times.”
A boy who succeeds in getting his dream toy, an
enterprising high school student who uses her creativity to earn income, and a
modified version of a well-loved folk song—these are just some of the content
used to teach youngsters the value of saving money and preparing for the
future.
The materials, which come in the form of videos, are part of the training tools developed by BDO Foundation, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to promote financial education among public school students from kindergarten all the way to senior high school.
Gandang Girlie Video – “Ganda ni Girlie,” describes how a high school student’s resourcefulness and creativity help her earn income even in her youth.
“Young
people are into watching videos. We thought it would be best to come up with
financial literacy videos that would not just entice, but more importantly,
educate them,” said BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.
He also said the strategy to leverage storytelling and music was meant to provide entertainment while educating children on the very important subject of personal finance.
Savings from her earnings
Savings from her earnings
“The beauty of stories and songs is that they are easy to remember. Kids appreciate the materials better because they can easily imagine being the characters in the stories. This makes the materials so powerful in teaching and inspiring,” Deriquito continued.
Five
financial education videos for students have been released to date. These aim
to catch students’ attention and enable them to learn about the value of money
at the same time.
The said tools, developed by BDO Foundation in partnership with DepEd and BSP, were deployed to public schools nationwide by virtue of DepEd Memo No. 32, series of 2019, signed by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones.
Finishing touches for her springless notebook business
The
videos include “Walk Hard for the Money,” which tells of an elementary school
boy who chooses to walk to school instead of commuting despite being given
allowance. Along with other money-making efforts, these eventually pay off,
allowing him to buy an electric scooter, which he later rides to school.
Another
video, “Bente Bente,” conveys the same message to young school children
to the tune of “Tong Tong Pakitong-kitong.”
Inspired by the Filipino folk song Magtanim ay Di Biro, “Umutang ay Di Biro” also uses music to tell older students to save their allowance, limit spending and pay debts on time.
Newspaper fund drive from her neighbors & sells it to nearby junkshops
“Ganda
ni Girlie,” meanwhile, describes how a high school student’s
resourcefulness and creativity help her earn income even in her youth.
“Save
to Have a Million: Junior Edition” discusses the right attitudes in handling
money through a game show.
Other than the videos for the students, the financial literacy learning tools also include lesson plans, discussion guides, and financial education videos for teachers and non-teaching personnel.
Ice Candy business during weekends
“It
is very important that the students start the habit of saving while they’re
young,” Deriquito emphasized. “This is our strategy for greater financial
inclusion among Filipinos in the long run.”
A
survey conducted by global financial services firm Standard & Poor’s
revealed that only 25% of Filipino adults are financially literate. This is
lower than the global average of 33%.
“We hope that the videos encourage the students not just to live for the moment, but prepare for their future by saving and spending wisely now,” Deriquito added.
Barbecue Outside her village area with the help of her relatives taking turns in grilling then selling it.
BDO Foundation will be developing more financial
education materials together with DepEd and BSP in the future.
The
foundation also has financial education programs for overseas Filipino workers
and their families, army personnel and their families, and small farmers. Its
programs will further be discussed in a web series on YouTube.
BDO
Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank.
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