National book-reading day observed in Cebu
SM Supermalls in Cebu conducted a simultaneous book-reading activity on July 18 in celebration of the National Book-Reading Day.
The National Children’s Book Reading Day is celebrated in SM Malls every 3rd Tuesday of July in commemoration of the publication of Dr. Jose Rizal’s classic, “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing”. This event is part of SM Cares’ Program for children that takes an advocacy of promoting literacy and encourage children to develop their love for reading at an early age.
This year, SM malls have been blessed with partners who have shared the same passion in advocating the promotion of literacy development at a young age. This year’s partners include Department of Education, Vibal Publishing, Unicef, National Bookstore, and Anvil Publishing.
Beauty queens from Cebu City served as readers during the simultaneous activity in SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM City Consolacion.
Ms. Cebu 2016 2nd runner-up Shaila Rebortera served as reader for the over 50 participants at the Event Centre in SM City Cebu. Ms. Cebu 2010 Reena Elena Malinao-Tan and Ms. Cebu 2011 Mia Ali Faridon were the story-tellers in SM Seaside City Cebu. Manny O Wines communications director Meg Eteve also read one of the stories. Over 300 children participated in the event in SM Seaside City Cebu, including the special children from Organization of Rehabilitative Advocate for Inclusion (ORAI) and the different barangays in Cebu such as Alcantara, Argao, Carcar, Consolacion, Minglanilla, and Pinamungahan.
Meanwhile, Ms. Consolacion 2016 winner Bianca Wilhermina Willemsen and Ms. Cebu 2015 Gabrielle Rain Baljak read the books to the children in SM City Consolacion.
“As we celebrate National Children’s Book Reading Day, it is really that experience of reading, to cultivate that interest to learn at an early age, that we wish to share with everyone,” said Dwight Christian Villon, assistant mall manager of SM Seaside City Cebu.