United Print Media Group launches reading campaign with schoolchildren
It was a day of fun and learning at Gen. Gregorio del Pilar Elementary School as the United Print Media Group (UPMG) launched its “Back to School: Flip and Scroll Reading Campaign.”
Some Grade 3 students and their teachers headed by their principal, Rizalina Castro, were present during the event which aimed to reintroduce the art of reading among the youth especially for those in their formative years.
UPMG president Vivienne A. Motomal said reading does not mean reading books or newspapers alone, as it can also be done using tablets or mobile phones. But reading should not only be done in school but should start at home with the guidance of their parents.
Uplifting literacy
Citing 2024 data by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Motomal lamented that while at least 90 percent of Filipinos starting age 5 are literate or can read, write and compute, only 70.8 percent of individuals aged 10 to 64 understand them or perform basic literacy skills.
This indicates that a substantial number of Filipinos can perform basic literacy but have difficulty with comprehension. This is the reason why the Philippines lags in international student assessment.
Storytelling, games
Motomal and the UPMG Board and members are determined to contribute to efforts to uplift literacy in the country through reading.
A storytelling portion was part of the event with a question-and-answer portion and some games. Each of the students received special loot bags containing goodies from select sponsors like Universal Robina Corp. and Goldilocks.
Malaysian Counselor Nur Farahliza Putri Naaim Yazid also distributed books to the cheers and delight of participating students.
UPMG’s PRO Aldwin Tolosa and auditor Roda Zabat said the event may just be the beginning of the group’s effort to spread reading awareness and this project’s Back to Basic Reading campaign will continue in the months to come.
This project was in partnership with the Ad Standard Council.
