November is National Reading Month

November is our National Reading Month.  This year’s theme is “Nasa Pagbasa ang Pag-asa.” 

Hopefully, as we celebrate the National Reading Month, we could teach our children the values of reading books.  Yes, it is quite challenging considering that most of our children are into video games, computers, cellphones, tablet, iPads and the likes.  

Reading habit will not only elevate the literacy rate of the country but it will also uplift and promote the moral and intellectual well-being of the people. 

The government knows the benefits of having a reading habit.  Thus, in as early as June 17, 1994, the government has enacted a law that will provide for the establishment of congressional, city and municipal libraries and Barangay reading centers throughout the Philippines, appropriating the necessary funds therefor and for other purposes.

This law is Republic Act Number 7743.

One of the policies of the State is the recognition of the vital role of knowledge and information in nation-building by establishing public libraries in every congressional district, city and municipality, and reading centers in every Barangay throughout the Philippines.

The public libraries and barangay reading centers shall have the following functions: 

(a) to make available to the members of the community reading materials of wide array including reading materials prescribed by the Department of Education Culture and Sports and national newspapers of general circulation and others; 

(b) to be used as a venue for audio-visual presentation in the community and other kinds of exhibitions and activities aimed at increasing the literacy rate by government agencies, non-governmental organizations or private entities in the dissemination of information of general interest; and 

(c) to offer such other related services in the furtherance of the law.

Note:  Images used herein are taken from Google.