As digital technology is at its peak nowadays, reading and loving books are being left behind.

With the aim to encourage high school students to love and put time in reading, a book drive with the theme: Aklat Tungo sa Pagkatuto: Book drive and Youth Development Session was recently conducted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) held at Gov. Mariano E. Villafuerte High School, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The activity is in partnership of the said school, Department of Education and Camalig Bank Foundation.

Almost a thousand of books and journals was donated to the said school benefitting more than 900 high school students, 449 of which are children beneficiaries of 4Ps.

According to Assistant Regional Director Arwin O. Razo, the Department sees the need of the school to have access to books.

“We have solicited and gathered various reading materials to private entities including DSWD staff, to be able to initiate this activity. We hope this would be able to help the school students to keep their mind sharp, and imaginations working through browsing and reading books on a regular basis,” he said.

Department of Education Representative Nora J. Laguda, EPS, encouraged the students and parents to support the said advocacy.

“We believe that getting these books in the hands of these students directly impacts education. Let us work together and raise excitement in reading not only in school but also in our homes. This benefits not only to ourselves but improves the literacy of the whole community,” she added.

School Principal Dr. Edna F. Aladano said the school is grateful to receive the reading materials. “In fact, our library nooks located inside the classrooms are now filled with plenty of books ready to be accessed by everyone,” she said.

On the other hand, a Youth Development Session (YDS) was simultaneously conducted on the said school. The YDS was participated by a total of 42 4Ps high school students.

Said session tackles on how to appreciate oneself and worth. Workshops and reading session was also held to provide the students learning and instill to them the importance of reading. ***GANLindio