PNoy signs law declaring Ninoy's birthday as 'Araw ng Pagbasa'

President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law declaring the birthday of his martyred father, the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., as a regular working holiday each year to be known as "Araw ng Pagbasa."

 

Republic Act 10556, signed by the President last May 15, directs the Department of Education (DepEd) to lead story-telling and reading sessions in all elementary and secondary schools in the country on November 27 of every year.

 

The new law also encourages schools in the country to use regional languages, in addition to Filipino and English, in "Araw ng Pagbasa" activities.

 

The law was signed to "promote reading and literacy, motivate awareness and uphold our Filipino heritage and culture, including educational activities focusing on the life of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr."

 

The late senator's assassination on Aug. 21, 1983 triggered outrage against the dictatorship of then President Ferdinand Marcos, which eventually catapulted Ninoy's wife, Corazon Aquino, to the presidency.

 

During the commemoration of his father's birthday last year, President Aquino led a storytelling session at a public elementary school in Quezon City. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News