Mayor REX Gatchalian led the launching of the First Steps to Engaged Reading (FSER) program as Valenzuela City celebrates the rights and needs of children during the 26^th National Children’s Month at the Valenzuela City Astrodome in Barangay Dalandanan, November 28, 2018.

Developed in partnership with Bagong Kulturang Pinoy (BKP) Philippines, the program aims to promote reading culture and literacy among children.  A total of 13 classes from six daycare centers around the city were given workshops on storybook making.  Afterwhich, the children created their own storybooks with guidance of their teacher.

The local government published the books for each of the students.  “Yung mga big books na ginagamit natin sa mga daycare, sa bookstore pa natin binibili dati. Pero ang good news ko sa inyo, starting next year yung mga big books na gagamitin natin ay mga anak nyo na ang gumawa (The big books being used in our daycare centers were previously bought from bookstores. The good news I want to share with all of you is that starting next year, we will be using the big books made by your kids),” Mayor REX said as he addressed the parents present during the launch.

The pilot Daycare Centers for the project are:

• Bignay 3S Daycare Center
• Disiplina Village Ugong Daycare Center
• Dulong Tangke 3S Daycare Center
• Gen. T. De Leon 3S Daycare Center
• Mabolo Daycare Center
• Maysan Daycare Center

During the launch, to the delight of the audience, the children also performed unique stories they wrote, such as Ang Tatlong Magkakaibigang Bulaklak which fosters friendship and cooperation, Ang Batang Si Mike which advocates proper nutrition, and Si Kenny at Si Tamtam that shows our role as stewards of God’s creations.

This year’s nationwide theme Isulong: Tamang Pag-aaruga Para sa Lahat ng Bata focuses on ending violence against children and promoting positive parenting. Republic Act No. 10661 mandates every November as the National Children’s Month to celebrate their significance within the Filipino family.