Vice President Sara Duterte released a statement in celebration of National Book Week, observed from November 24 to 28, emphasizing the crucial role of reading comprehension in empowering Filipino youth.
She underscored that young people who truly understand what they read gain the ability to make informed decisions, demand accountability, and actively shape their future.
In her video message shared on Monday, November 24, the Vice President stressed that the literacy gap in the Philippines remains a critical concern.
“The 2024 Functional Literacy Survey reveals that while 9 out of 10 Filipinos have basic literacy, only 7 out of 10 aged 10 years old to 64 are considered functionally literate. This stark gap reveals a critical challenge—many Filipinos struggle with the deep comprehension needed for informed citizenship. This National Book Week, let us recognize the challenge of the digital age. We are conditioned to consume information for speed, not depth, often sacrificing the sustained focus that true understanding demands,” VP Sara said.
She added: “Comprehension begins as a daily practice at home, where understanding becomes instinct. Our schools must reinforce this by teaching students that reading is the key to thinking critically and questioning what they encounter. When our youth can truly comprehend what they read, they are empowered to make informed decisions, demand accountability, and actively shape their own futures.”
The Vice President also encouraged Filipinos to rediscover the joy of reading.
“This National Book Week, I urge every Filipino to discover the joy of reading to enrich their understanding. Reading reconnects us to wisdom larger than our own experience and prepares us to confront and overcome the pressing challenges of our time,” she said.
“Magbasa. Linangin ang kaisipan at diwa sa tamang pang-unawa. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas—para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat Pamilyang Pilipino,” she concluded.
Recently, during the release of her book Isang Kaibigan, VP Sara also reiterated the importance of cultivating a love for reading among the youth.
“Nawa’y patuloy nating hikayatin ang ating mga kabataan na magbasa ng mga aklat, lumundag sa mga pahina nito, at pasiglahin ang kanilang pagmamahal sa pag-aaral,” she said.