How do we build our youth’s literacy and reading comprehension?
Publishing house Bookshelf PH recently partnered with Project Dionysus and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Marikina Mini Library this year by donating some of its in-house books by inspiring Filipino authors. As part of community development, this collaboration enriches the youth’s exposure to reading, providing them with an after-school activity to expand their reading comprehension and explore diverse genres of books beyond the classroom.
The donation of books also supports the thesis film by a group of dedicated undergraduate theater students from the Department of Performing Arts at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) called Project Dionysus.
“Our book donation hopes to give the students of PUP a new set of reads, and at the same time, serve as a donation drive to support Project Dionysus’ thesis film,” Michelle Dulinayan, Marketing Manager of Bookshelf said.
Their thesis on Streetlight Manifesto by Mixkaela Villalon revolves around a streetlamp being the only witness of two hired hitmen’s rendezvous every night who are responsible for Manila murders. Every day, a dead body shows up at that same streetlight. The search for truth ensues as the cases remain unsolved while the body count rises. Directed by Jetro Sebastian Tino, it reveals the creativity and wisdom that these students have accumulated over the years.
For more information on Project Dionysus, visit their Facebook page.
Bookshelf PH donated books to SK Marikina Mini Library in Barangay Jesus dela Peña. With the help of SK Chairwoman Joana Marie Dela Paz, SK Secretary Joselle Manglicmot, and SK Kagawads: Seth Nicole Torres, Nica Joy De Leon, Jonahr Eiz Dela Paz, Jean Hershey Reyes, Kevin Christian Tapel, the books were received by SK Kgds Johana Mae Damole and Rico Miguel Esteban, and SK Treasurer Ana Coleen de Asis.
Monette Quiogue, Co-founder of Bookshelf PH, also met Barangay Captain Rosette Sarmiento to discuss how Filipino-authored books can be more accessible in such communities.
“We want to encourage our youth to read more books and be inspired to explore genres written by local talent,” Quiogue said. “That way, we’re not just enriching their literacy at an early age, we’re also encouraging them to dream and feel represented in the books they read.”
If you want to join this movement in Marikina, drop by Jesus dela Pena’s Barangay Hall and visit its local mini-library.
Bookshelf PH houses diverse books in different genres as it aims to promote and print books authored by local Filipino writers. The goal is to develop literature that contributes to individual and community empowerment. Visit bookshelf.com.ph for more.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES