Vice President Sara Duterte highlights the importance of literacy as a foundation of democracy, urging parents to foster reading habits with their children and utilize public libraries amid literacy challenges in the Philippines.
As the Philippines marks National Literature Month, Vice President Sara Duterte on April 13, 2026, called on parents to read alongside their children and frequent public libraries to enhance literacy and democratic engagement. In a video message, Duterte emphasized that literature serves as the infrastructure of democracy, essential for sustaining truth, strength, and awareness within the nation. She stated, “The solution begins in our homes. During this National Literature Month, I encourage every parent to read with their children.” She further encouraged making visits to local public libraries a regular practice. Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, she noted that nearly 25 million Filipinos face difficulties with functional literacy. Duterte warned that without improved reading comprehension, building a critical and informed citizenry remains a challenge. Every opened book, she said, is a step towards a smarter population. It is noted that Vice President Duterte headed the Department of Education until June 2024 and is currently subject to impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives. The call aligns with ongoing efforts to promote education and address literacy issues in the country.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/983719/vp-sara-urges-parents-to-read-with-their-children-visit-libraries/story/