Building a strong foundation in learning is crucial for a child’s academic success and cognitive development, as various strategies seek to develop their literacy skills, as well as emotional and social growth.
In the town of Los Baños, Laguna, children, particularly those in kindergarten to elementary level are given the opportunity to have fun while learning how to read, count, develop social skills, expand their language abilities, and develop a love for learning through the Modern Kubo Library project initiated by the local government.
According to Soledad Villanueva, Public Schools District Supervisor of Department of Education Los Baños, the project will greatly help not only students but also the teachers who can bring their students in the facility to explore and use the facility for learning activities.
“Actually, this is a big help, especially for the Los Baños Sub-Office, particularly for our children who don’t get to experience this kind of infrastructure. Here, we can really feel that the learning is different because this Kubo Library is advanced. In fact, this is the only Sub-Office and town in Laguna that has a Kubo Library,” Soledad stated.
She then emphasized that the project aligns with the goal of the education department of making children more academically competent, capable of reading and comprehending at an early age, with the aim of developing them to be proficient and independent readers.
Marlon Dela Cruz, 48, who accompanied his niece during the official launch of the Kubo Library, believes that the facility will help her socialize more and reduce her time using gadgets at home while also improving her literacy.
“It’s a big help because they will learn so many things and discover a lot more – it will also keep them away from gadgets and online games,” Dela Cruz said.
The term “Kubo Library” was coined from the first Kubo Library launched in Barangay Bagong Silang in 2022. It recognizes and promotes the traditional way of learning through the iconic Filipino nipa hut, with the same goal of providing free access to books and fostering a love for reading and learning.
For municipal mayor Anthony Genuino, raising awareness and promoting literacy in Los Baños is important to ensure that children develop in their formative years and engage in lifelong learning.
“It’s very important that we promote literacy. Unfortunately, we’re hearing that some Grade 4 and Grade 5 students still can’t read. One of the reasons for this, is the excessive use of gadgets. That’s why what DepEd is doing is crucial, ensuring that children spend 1 to 2 hours reading every day,”
To ensure that no child in Los Baños is left behind in learning, the local government will establish more public Kubo Libraries in each barangay, to provide children with greater access for additional learning opportunities. (CO,CH/PIA-4A)
