In line with the government’s call to strengthen the reading abilities of Filipino learners, the Ayala group is implementing #BrigadangAyala Open Book, a nationwide campaign to foster a love for reading in public elementary schools.
Led by Ayala Foundation and Ayala Land, the program gathers public and private stakeholders to address learning gaps and support the Department of Education (DepEd)’s National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano welcomed the Brigadang Ayala team during the kickoff event and shared her optimism about the program.
“We look forward to creating a more inclusive environment that bridges learning gaps and ensures that every child, regardless of their background, has equal access to quality education,” she said.
Taguig City officials, led by Mayor Lani Cayetano (center, 2nd row) welcomed Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino (center, 2nd row) at Bagong Tanyag Integrated School for the launch of Brigadang Ayala Open Book.
Reading to develop literacy, enhance imagination, and promote inclusion
Program proponents noted the importance of fostering a love of reading beyond its effects on literacy.
Ayala Land Senior Vice President Mariana Zobel de Ayala highlighted how books can “unlock a world of possibilities for children” and recognized the “transformative power” of reading.
“Reading inspires lifelong learning and nurtures the next generation of leaders,” she said during the kickoff at Bagong Tanyag Integrated School on September 9.
“Promoting a love of reading does not only help improve literacy—it also opens up children’s minds, giving them a better understanding of the world around them,” added Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino.
Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino (center, 2nd row) and Ayala Land Senior Vice President Mariana Zobel de Ayala (2nd row, third from right) meet with students, teachers, and parents from Bagong Tanyag Integrated School at the launch of Brigadang Ayala Open Book.
Engaging the community for sustainable results
Through the support of partners, Open Book has gathered 26,000 books to date, surpassing the target of 20,000 books for 172 schools nationwide. The program will turn over these curated, age-appropriate books to partner schools in trolleys that will serve as mini rolling libraries.
The program is also working with publisher Adarna House and Ayala Land to gather books for distribution. Donors may purchase book bundles from Adarna’s website or drop off unused storybooks at the concierge of select Ayala malls and estates. These will be delivered to designated schools by November, to coincide with National Reading Month.
In coordination with local DepEd offices and Ayala business units, the program will conduct regular read-aloud sessions led by volunteer storytellers or Reading AmBASAdors to help sustain interest in the program.
A volunteer from Amaia conducts a read-aloud session for Grade 3 pupils of Bagong Tanyag Integrated School.
The DepEd International Cooperation Office underscored the critical role of partnerships in achieving the goals set by the program and the national government.
“We reaffirm our commitment to creating a more literate, inclusive, and peaceful world. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a harmonious society,” the office said.
Brigadang Ayala Open Book trolleys containing up to 80 books and a Philippine flag will be distributed to nearly 200 schools nationwide.
Those who would like to support the program may purchase books through https://adarna.com.ph/collections/ayala-foundation-open-book-bundle, drop off books at the concierge of Ayala Malls or the Tower One and Exchange Plaza, or sign up to volunteer at volunteermark.com/ayalacorporatecitizenship/
