Reading, storytelling sessions to mark Araw ng Pagbasa on November 27

November is National Reading Month, and November 27 is "Araw ng Pagbasa," with a number of events to be held nationwide on that day aimed at promoting reading.

Araw ng Pagbasa—stylized as "Araw ng Pag(b)asa"— is inspired by the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., who turned to reading during his years of solitary confinement during the Martial Law era.

It is held on Aquino's birth anniversary every year since 2008, with the late Senator's son, President Benigno Aquino III, having taken part in activities.

President Aquino, accompanied by Education Secretary Luistro, leads a storytelling session at T. Alonzo Elementary School in Project 4, Quezon City on Araw ng Pagbasa, November 27, 2012. Photo: Malacañang Photo Bureau

The Department of Education, in consultation with other government agencies such as the National Book Development Board, is tasked to organize and implement activities using not only Filipino and English but other Filipino languages as well.

This year, the first scheduled event was the nationwide kick-off of National Reading Month, held at San Pablo Central School in San Pablo, Laguna on November 3.

Events coming up are:

November 24, 25 and 26: A photo gallery for the Istorya ng Pag-asa, showcasing Araw ng Pagbasa events over the years, will be on diplay at the North Wing of the House of Representatives.

Guests on opening day include Rep. Leni Robredo, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Vice-Mayor Josefina Belmonte and Rep. Bolet Banal.

After being displayed at the House of Representatives, the exhibit will be moved to other venues.

November 27: Araw ng Pagbasa Reading Corners and the DepEd’s kaREADton will be launched in hospitals nationwide. Involving thousands of volunteers, these programs will reach out to sick children with storytelling sessions, bedside readings and other activities.

In Metro Manila, the launch will be held in the Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Project 4, QC. The guests of honor will be Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Health Secretary Janette Garin, teacher Efren Peñaflorida and Rep. Bolet Banal.

Reading and story-telling sessions will be held on this day in day-care centers, elementary schools and high schools nationwide.

According to Republic Act 10556, Araw ng Pagbasa is a regular working holiday, to be celebrated in elementary and secondary schools nationwide. — BM, GMA News