VP Sara urges parents to read with their children, visit libraries

As the country celebrates National Literature Month, Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday urged parents to read with their children and to visit libraries.

Duterte, who headed the Department of Education until June 2024 amid fraying ties with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., said that literature is the infrastructure of democracy and is the foundation that will allow a country to remain truthful, strong, and aware.

“Ang solusyon ay nag sisimula sa ating mga tahanan. Ngayong Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino, hinihimok ko ang bawat magulang. Magbasa kayo kasama ang inyong mga anak,” she said in a video message.

(The solution begins in our homes. During this National Literature Month, I encourage every parent. Read together with your children.)

“Ugaliing bumisita sa pinakamalapit na public library sa inyong siyudad, munisipalidad, o barangay,” she added.

(Make it a habit to visit the nearest public library in your city, municipality, or barangay.)

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the vice president said that almost 25 million Filipinos are having difficulty with functional literacy.

“Hindi tayo makabubuo ng isang bansang mapanuri kung marami pa rin sa atin ang hirap umunawa sa binabasa. Ang bawat librong binubuksan ay hakbang tungko sa isang mas matalinong mamamayan,” she said.

(We cannot build a critical nation if many of us still struggle to understand what we read. Every book opened is a step toward a more informed citizen.)

Duterte is facing proceedings over impeachment complaints filed against her at the House of Representatives. — BM, GMA News