Alaminos City tackles reading comprehension crisis through book character costume contest
ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan (PIA) – Amid growing concern over reading comprehension among Filipino learners, the Alaminos City local government is increasing efforts to promote literacy through creative activities.
On March 7, the city government launched the Hundred Islands Festival 2025 with a celebration of stories and imagination through a book character costume contest at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center.
The event, which also marked the 66th Public Library Day, drew 41 children from public and private elementary schools.
Beyond the costumes, the event highlighted the issue of reading comprehension among Filipino learners.
Ely Ubaldo, officer-in-charge schools division superintendent of the Department of Education Pangasinan I, expressed concern over the latest Program for International Student Assessment results.
“You know, parents, there are studies that say the Philippines is lagging in reading comprehension. When it comes to PISA results, we have a learning gap or problem with functional literacy,” Ubaldo said.
She said studies indicate the Philippines’ sixth-grade learners’ reading abilities are equivalent to fourth-grade students in other countries.
She called on parents to partner with schools, teachers and the Department of Education to address these learning gaps, emphasizing the community’s role in improving education quality.
“Parents, we need your help. Help us in closing the gap and coping with international standards and ensure we provide quality education to our children,” she added.
Virgie Aquino, Alaminos City librarian, said the event kicks off the annual Hundred Islands Festival, promoting literacy, community involvement, creativity, empowerment and the city’s culture.
Wearing costumes made from recyclable materials, participants portrayed their favorite book characters.
“The costume contest aims to encourage children to read by displaying their creativity through their colorful costumes, bringing their favorite characters to life,” Aquino said.
Aquino said the contest, which started in 2016, goes beyond fun and creativity as it deliberately encourages readers to read more books and engage with literature in a way that sparks imagination.
“We encourage the youth to read because we believe there is power in reading,” Aquino said.
She emphasized the role of books in nurturing knowledge, wisdom and cultural awareness to young learners.
Aquino added that the city library has been evolving to meet the needs of its readers offering digital resources and internet access in collaboration with the National Library of the Philippines.
She said offering e-resources aligned with the National Library, ensures that more children have opportunities to learn and explore through different media.
One of the winners of the costume contest was Risa Radam from Barangay Tangcarang, who dressed as Te Fiti from the 2016 Disney book and animated film Moana.
According to her mother, Lita Radam, Risa’s costume was creatively assembled using mosquito netting and dried seaweed.
“It was her (Risa) choice to become Te Fiti from Moana because it is her favorite character. We worked together to make the costume from materials we had at home and gathered seaweed by the seashores every afternoon after her classes,” she shared.
Lita also expressed her gratitude to the City Library for initiating an event that sparks joy and encourages reading to young learners like Risa.
The Book Character Costume Contest showed how the community can work together to promote literacy, inspire creativity and address educational challenges.
Through the collaborative efforts of the LGU, DepEd, and families, Alaminos City is helping shape young minds who are excited to learn and grow. (CCMT/EMSA/RDP, PIA Pangasinan)
