In the picturesque town of Isabela de Basilan, young learners have long grappled with a formidable challenge —the scarcity of reading materials and the resulting struggle with literacy.
However, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the city government of Isabela has taken a bold step towards addressing the pressing concern.
Through the implementation of the Sakayan-Kaalaman Reading Project, in collaboration with Busay Elementary School’s Project Read Everything and Dream High (Project REaD Hi), the city is determined to foster a profound love for reading and cultivate a vibrant literacy culture among its young residents.
A young volunteer ignites passion for reading in the heart of the learner.
Alarming data from the Department of Education’s Isabela City division has revealed that a staggering 81 percent of enrolled students, or 12,552 out of 15,637, are classified as non-readers. Among them, 1,581 pupils still find themselves at the frustration level.
This reality has propelled the city government to launch the Learning and Information for Barangays Readers Outreach (LIBRO) program, recognizing its pivotal role as a complement to the Department of Education’s mandate.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman has been a vocal advocate for the power of reading, urging local partners to rally behind and support young learners.
“Ang mahalaga ay na-prove natin itong effective and we could always share this with those who would like to replicate this,” she said.
The LIBRO program equips young readers with the necessary tools to excel not only in their academic journeys but also in life beyond the classroom.
The project places a strong emphasis on enhancing reading comprehension skills, nurturing a genuine love for reading, and fostering a pervasive culture of literacy within the community.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman shares the joy of reading to the learners in Isabela City
Pooling their resources and expertise, the city government and Busay Elementary School have embarked on a collaborative effort to support struggling readers. Their joint mission is to enhance the reading skills of 98 learners through 20 weekly reading sessions, executed under the Sakayan-Kaalaman Mobile Library.
The program has yielded impressive results, with 26 out of the identified 98 struggling readers now classified as instructional readers, while an encouraging 72 have transitioned into independent readers.
The Department of Education has lauded the LIBRO project, expressing optimism that it will significantly contribute to improved literacy rates in Isabela City.
School principal Maricel Dagohoy of Busay Elementary School shared the sentiment and underscored the importance of collective efforts in turning dreams into reality.
“We have high hopes that we will be able to combat illiteracy if all of us will share and will care, will give a helping hand and a big heart to pursue these dreams,” said Dagohoy.
The local government of Isabela City and Busay Elementary School inked a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of Sakayan Kaalaman – LIBRO Program
The success of the LIBRO project can be attributed to the partnerships forged among local communities, stakeholders, volunteers, and the Department of Education. These collaborative efforts have facilitated the acquisition of vital resources, funding, and expertise, ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the initiative.
LIBRO symbolizes a momentous leap forward in the crusade to enhance literacy rates and nurture a passion for learning in Isabela City. With the support from the community, government agencies, and private stakeholders, the project aims to create a future where every student embraces the transformative power of reading and education. (EDT and NDR – PIA Basilan)
