This near-sighted Ibaloy writer just had to come up with a part two of last week’s piece on reading where I lamented the seemingly decreasing number of younger (and maybe even older) people who read on a regular basis.
Well, it seems I am not the only one lamenting this sad fact of dwindling readers or ‘bookworms’. Do you even know where the public library is?
After sending via e-mail last week’s column, Mayor Benjamin Magalong disclosed plans by the city government to conduct a citywide “Reading Camp” for learners with reading difficulties for two weeks in July. No specific dates and venue were given at the time this piece was being written.
To prepare for the noble undertaking, the city held a Baguio volunteer workshop on May 2 at Mirador Jesuit Villa and Retreat House in partnership with the Department of Education and Synergeia Foundation that tackled on how to carry out the reading camp and also trained volunteers on the rudiments of teaching reading skills.
The mayor explained the first pool of volunteers will act as mentors to other volunteers who will help conduct the two-week activity in July.
In a letter, he said the city conducted an education summer earlier this year with various local stakeholders to identify challenges on education and came up with ideas on addressing these issues. A plan was firmed up during a local stakeholders convention last March where it was agreed that the way to move forward was to focus on enhancing the reading skills of Baguio’s learning through a reading camp.
Well, what can I say? May this worthy endeavor receive our much needed support for it to succeed and spawn more reading camps.
Meanwhile, Magalong has signed city council Resolution 170, s. 2023, congratulating and commending Castielle Shiraz Gulian for winning gold medals in four categories of ‘The Manila Swim Series I’ competition held at the Bosay Resort, Antipolo City on Feb. 4 and for being awarded as the most outstanding swimmer for class A-B division.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
