SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — In a move to bolster literacy and child development, the local government unit (LGU) of Bacnotan recently launched the Barangay Hooked on Books (HOB) Library and Reading Program in Barangay Quirino.
This initiative aims to promote literacy, improve access to educational resources and support the development of children at the grassroots level.
The event was made possible through a partnership with Holcim Helps, the corporate social responsibility arm of Holcim Philippines; LINKS (Linking Individuals to Nurture Kids’ Success) Philippines, a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging communities and providing underprivileged children with literacy opportunities; the Barangay Council of Quirino and the LGU of Bacnotan.
Marc Teomar Bautista, information officer of Bacnotan, underscored the role of barangay-level learning centers in ensuring that education is accessible and inclusive for all.
“This program reflects the LGU’s broader vision to bring essential learning tools closer to the people. By empowering barangays to serve as education hubs, we are addressing learning gaps from the ground up,” Bautista shared.
Holcim Philippines Plant Manager Rolando Ong expressed support for initiatives that foster educational growth.
“Education is the foundation of sustainable communities. Supporting educational initiatives not only cultivates informed citizens but also inspires them to take meaningful action to protect our environment and create a better future for all,” Ong stated.
The library, though modest in its beginnings, features a thoughtfully curated collection of storybooks, reference materials and visual aids designed to inspire young readers.
It will be managed by trained community volunteers and will serve as a valuable supplementary learning space for out-of-school youth, early learners and local families seeking educational resources.
Marissa Jane Orejudos, a youth leader from Barangay Quirino, shared the excitement of the community, particularly the children, about the new library.
“Most of the kids used to borrow books from neighbors, but with this library, they have access right here in our barangay,” Orejudos said.
The LGU of Bacnotan hopes that the Barangay Quirino’s library will serve as a model for other communities eager to implement similar programs.
In the coming months, the program will undergo monitoring and evaluation to measure its impact on reading comprehension and school readiness among the local youth.
This initiative marks a step toward strengthening literacy and creating a more inclusive educational environment in La Union, laying the foundation for future generations to thrive. (AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
