Bangui: A new reading center has been inaugurated at Bangui Central Elementary School in Ilocos Norte, aiming to enhance reading literacy among learners, including out-of-school youth.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, known as 'Kalapaw' (makeshift dwelling), is part of efforts to provide a supportive and resource-rich environment for students who find reading challenging. The center was officially opened on December 16 and marks a significant step in literacy support within the school and the broader community.

Markelvin Guzman, the monitoring supervisor-in-charge for the Bangui-Dumalneg District of the Department of Education in Ilocos Norte, highlighted the center's purpose of offering focused assistance to struggling readers. He mentioned that 'Kalapaw' is equipped with reading materials, board games, and other interactive resources, including arithmetic, values formation, and sports, to attract learners during their free time. To further enrich the center's offerings, donation drives for additional reading materials are planned.

Looking ahead, Guzman expressed the goal of establishing similar centers in all elementary schools across the province with support from both public and private education stakeholders. This initiative is part of broader efforts by public schools in the province to bridge learning gaps, particularly after assessments revealed that some students in Grades 4 to 6 face difficulties in reading and comprehension.

Sonia Garcia, officer-in-charge of the school, emphasized the importance of targeted reading interventions to address these challenges. She stated that 'Kalapaw' aims to foster confidence and instill a love for reading in its beneficiaries. The school has also partnered with Adarna Publishing House to bolster the reading program of DepEd Ilocos Norte.

Current data from the World Bank highlights a critical need for such initiatives, as it indicates that at least 90 percent of Filipino children aged 10 struggle with reading or understanding simple texts.