Jul 25, 2014

Pursuing dreams through education

La Union students welcome the school year with new libraries
Amid the gloomy and rainy weather last June 13, AHON Foundation brought cheer to public school children in La Union by opening up new libraries filled with books.
Together with its chairman, Hector Tagaysay and executive director Harvey Keh, the AHON Team inaugurated libraries in Aringay Central School, Bauang North Central School, Paringao Elementary School and Bangar Central School. These libraries also set a new milestone for AHON Foundation since it is their 102nd to 105th partner schools all over the Philippines. Tagaysay said that AHON is continuing its advocacy to make quality books reach thousands of children in various parts of the country.
AHON Foundation’s new libraries give pupils from La Union the opportunity to explore worlds beyond their imagination through reading.
AHON Foundation’s new libraries give pupils from La Union the opportunity to explore worlds beyond their imagination through reading.
During the launch, the schools held their own celebrations. Aringay Central School celebrated in a simple way but used their technological capacities to show that they can also go with the rise of high-tech equipment. It was noticed by Tagaysay who praised the use of LCD projector in the program.
“High-tech pala kayo dito. Sa dami na naming na-inaugurate na schools sa AHON, ngayon lang ako naka-experience na may projector,” he said.
Tagaysay pointed out that despite the technological advancement in this century, it is still essential to persuade the children to read books in the libraries as it will help them in their studies and shape their values. He reminded teachers and parents to encourage the children to read books because there are not enough information that they can collect when they only watch television and use computers.
“Mas maganda pa din na magbasa ang mga bata dahil mas matututo sila doon kaysa sa panonood lang ng TV,” Tagaysay argued during his message.
The children, meanwhile, were eager to use the books and read more since they are interested in reading.
At the Bauang North Central School and Paringao Elementary School, a powerhouse cast of local government officials led by Vice Mayor Bonifacio Malinao, Department of Education representatives, religious leaders, and the academic community gathered for the celebration.
The launch of the library in Paringao Elementray School was met with much enthusiasm by the children who eagerly sat at the storytelling corner and began reading the books.
The last leg of inauguration was held in Bangar Central School where the children warmly welcomed the AHON team. The launch was supported by the stakeholders. The program went smoothly but there’s a unique part which became remarkable to everybody. Instead of singing the National Anthem, they sang “Ako’y Pilipino.” Tagaysay admired the act, saying that it signifies nationalism for the children which should also be instilled in them.
The new partner schools in La Union were all grateful to AHON Foundation for helping them achieve their dream of building well-functioning libraries that will surely be utilized by the children. For AHON Foundation, the launch of the four libraries has set a new milestone as they reached 105 schools. As partners of the government, they hope to increase the literacy rates in public elementary schools, and continue in helping children to dream more through education.
Thank you Manila Bulletin for publishing our article!
(For your queries and partnership concerns, please send an email to ahonfoundation@gmail.com or call (02) 518-0021.)