The basis for comprehension is functional literacy. It turns words into knowledge and intelligence that can be used as a leverage to seize opportunities in and out of their community. However, this has been a huge problem in the Bicol Region. It ranks 14th out of the 17 regions in the Philippines with the National Achievement Test (NAT) mean percentage score of 56.6%. To increase comprehension competencies and raise the awareness on the significance of reading in our young students’ lives, a reading program is needed. This will open an opportunity to develop interest in reading, not only among students, but in the teachers, school administrators, and parents.

BOOKsan ang KinaBOOKasan Reading Program is an intervention that aims to develop the love and habit of reading among Grade 4 pupils in 16 elementary schools in Donsol, Sorsorgon and convert 40 public elementary educators, including teachers and school heads, into reading advocates and champions for developing the love and habit of reading among their pupils. Through Children’s Hour support, the following activities are set to achieve these goals: a) assessment and planning to ensure that the reading program is implemented effectively and meets the needs of the target schools; b) teachers’ training conducted prior to the implementation of the Read-A-Thon; c) conduct of Read-A-Thon which is the core activity wherein students undergo a 31 consecutive days reading program using the specialized reading and activities materials; and, d) culminating and turnover activities.

To date, students already underwent the 31-day Read-A-Thon core activity. Last March 2011, the culminating and turnover activity was held. It recognized the children’s achievement and showcased their talents through storytelling, poetry reading, roll-playing as well as performing songs and dances that represent themes, characters or messages that they learned from the storybooks. The success of the program can be attributed to the enthusiasm of the students to learn and read more as well as the optimism translated by the teachers to their students; but more importantly, to the strong support the project has been receiving from the Local Government of Sorsogon as well as the school administration.