The Mabini Elementary School (MES) in this town emphasized to children the importance of reading as it launched on Tuesday its program dubbed “Brigada sa Pagbasa: Bawat Batang Daragueño Bihasang Bumasa”.

The MES adopted the “Bawat Batang Bicolano Bihasang Bumasa” (5Bs) initiative of the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office during a short program with guest readers for every grade level.

In her message during the event, Lilian R. Llarena, MES teacher-in-charge, said the launching forms part of the school’s efforts to entice more children to make reading a habit.

“With this activity, we want our young students here to be more engaged in reading. We are thankful to all who are here to support our program,” she added.

Mabini village chieftain Ranulfo Llorera, for his part, underscored the role of parents in helping their children learn how to read.

“Minsan kahit nasa Grade 6 na mahina pa din bumasa, kaya ginawa ito ng gobyerno para matulungan ang mga bata na bumasa. Kaya tayong mga magulang, dapat alam din natin ang gagawin lalo na pag nasa bahay ang mga bata. Busy man tayo sa pagtatrabaho, bigyan pa din natin ng oras ang ating mga anak. (Sometimes, even if already in Grade 6, some students still struggle in reading, that’s why our government is making interventions and programs that will help our students to learn more in reading. To all parents here, let us all be responsible for helping our children, particularly when they are at home. We may be busy in our jobs but we still need to give time to our children,” Llorera said.

During the activity, students, stakeholders, teachers, and others present took a pledge of commitment to spend more time reading.

Architect Kristine Lagman, one of the guest readers, said in an interview at the sidelines of the event that the activity is an opportunity to hone strong and dynamic readers in the province.

“Because it is part of my social and community involvement as a stakeholder, I also pledge to support other banner programs, projects and activities of DepEd as it strives to open wider horizon for the achievement of quality education to every Filipino learner,” she said.

Lagman also vowed to give time, effort and resources in helping the MES to provide good education to children starting with making every young Daragueño learner a proficient reader. (PNA)