To stress the importance of reading as the foundation of knowledge, PNoy leads today a storytelling session with Grade V pupils of T. Alonzo Elementary School in Project 4, Quezon City.

Araw ng Pagbasa is an annual advocacy program that began in 2008. Every year, public elementary schools and high schools in Quezon City simultaneously hold storytelling sessions in Araling Panlipunan, Filipino, and English.

Araw ng Pagbasa was inspired by the ideals of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, who deeply believed that reading expands the mind that serves as a key to other learning. To promote a nationwide advocacy for reading, November was declared the National Reading Month which culminates with the “Araw ng Pagbasa” on November 27, Ninoy’s birthday.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the move is in support of the ten-point education agenda of the Aquino Administration which promotes the Every Child a Reader Program (ECARP).

“Reading enriches the mind and opens a host of other possibilities that is why we encourage our children to start early and keep the habit as they grow older,” Luistro added.

To highlight the Reading Month, Luistro directed all regional, division and school level officials to lead the nationwide synchronized reading program every first Monday of November from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning.

“By encouraging reading among our school children using many creative ways, we are also motivating them to learn from the lives of eminent Filipinos who can be our role models,” explained Luistro.