SOME 100 students from Vista Alegre Granada Elementary School and Kalipay Negrense Foundation Inc. joined the National Children’s Book Reading Day at SM City Bacolod Tuesday, July 17.
Yesterday, the third Tuesday of July, all SM Supermalls nationwide commemorated the celebration of the 35th year of Jose Rizal’s classic story “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing,” with the staging of the National Children’s Book Reading Day.
This is the 35th year of the commemoration and has been celebrated annually ever since in various locations to promote the love of reading, especially to young students.
This campaign is in line with SM Cares’ literacy advocacy to instill good values, promote the value of education and encourage creativity in young children. Together with its partners, the malls celebrate this event with book reading sessions, games, gifts and prizes.
The children, aged seven to 10 years old, who participated in the read-along sessions received books, school supplies, prizes from partners Vibal Books, Anvil Publishing, National Bookstore, and the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central.
Two books authored by Robert Magnuson were featured and read aloud, with Kalipay Foundation executive director Mel Sillador reading “Duck and Croc Meet Collector Alligator,” and PR consultant Mate Espina reading “Duck and Croc’s Magnificent Race.” Both of the readers are also members of the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central.
Aside from practicing their reading skills, the stories also imparted important life lessons such as friendship, fair treatment of others and honesty, among others.
SM Supermalls’ National Children’s Book Reading Day is also supported by the Department of Education. (PR)