Vice President Sara Duterte has called on Filipino parents to instill a love for reading among their children as the nation marks National Literature Month.
In a video message released Monday, Duterte emphasized the role of literature in strengthening democracy and nurturing critical thinking.
“The solution begins in our homes. During this Filipino Literature Month, I urge every parent: Read with your children,” she said.
She further encouraged families to make regular visits to public libraries.
“Make it a habit to visit the nearest public library in your city, municipality, or barangay,” she added.
Duterte highlighted the urgency of addressing literacy challenges, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that nearly 25 million Filipinos struggle with functional literacy.
“We cannot build a critical nation if many of us still have difficulty understanding what we read. Every book that is opened is a step toward a more intelligent citizenry,” she said.
Her remarks come as she faces impeachment proceedings in the Senate following complaints filed against her in the House of Representatives.