With literacy and child development at the forefront of its agenda, Dagupan City formally launched the A.B.K.D. (Ang Bawat Kabataang Dagupeño) Nakakabasa Program today, July 14, at the Emerald Hall of CSI Stadia.
A joint initiative of the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Department of Education (DepEd)-Dagupan, the program aims to improve the reading proficiency of young Dagupeños through SAFEnet (Secure and Abuse-Free Environment), the city’s flagship child protection and development program.
The launch also marked the start of capability-building sessions for teachers and education stakeholders on the Science of Reading, in support of the nationwide Bayang Bumabasa initiative.
Vice President for Teaching and Research of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America–New York Philippines Chapter, Ms. Rizalina “Sally” Labanda, served as the resource speaker and emphasized the irreplaceable role of teachers and the enduring value of books in effective learning.
“We are the best audio-visual aid in the world. Kahit yang mga AI, lahat ng mga gadget, walang makakapalit sa isang guro. However, hindi lang tayo, yung katawan natin, dapat may dala-dala rin tayong toolkit. Mga materyales na magtutulong sa atin gumabay at maitawid ang mga bata sa kamangmangan,” Labanda said.
Mayor Belen Fernandez reaffirmed the city’s commitment to strengthening literacy and fostering a culture of reading.
“Patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga programang nagtataguyod ng pagbabasa at agham. Ang pagtatayo ng mga reading corners at science libraries, book donation drives, storytelling sessions, science fairs, reading camps, at iba pang mga gawaing magpapalalim sa pagmamahal ng ating mga kabataan sa kaalaman,” the local chief executive said.
Present during the launch were Councilors Michael Fernandez, Atty. Joey Tamayo, Chrystel Hilary “Tala” Paras, Dr. Jalice “Jaja” Cayabyab; Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Anna Liza Chan; SGOD Chief Dr. Liezl Cancino; City Secretary Ryan Ravanzo; department heads; district supervisors; school principals; barangay librarians; and Child Development Center workers.
The A.B.K.D. Nakakabasa Program strengthens Dagupan’s expanding SAFEnet initiatives, alongside “Nanay, Ikaw ang Unang Guro,” the CLEM Science Building at DCNHS, the closure of PisoNet establishments, the installation of walkthrough metal detectors in schools, and investments in music, sports, and youth development.
