by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, June 7 (PIA) – The
Naval Forces West of the Philippine Navy has recently distributed books to
needy students in Palawan.
In a press release, NFW Public Affairs
Officer Lt. Karen Ann Abenoja Abulon (PN) said that across the province, the
NavForWest distributed books to disadvantaged children, who were a bit anxious
whether they could bring home their new books.
“In places where children have very little in
life, books are a luxury. That's why, when the Naval Forces West gives out free
books, kids are incredulous if they don't have to leave them at school,"
Abulon said, explaining to them that they can take the books home to share with
their families.
"Some of the kids were absolutely
overwhelmed," says Lt. Stanlee Vince Gonzaga, civil military office
unit-west, recalling a distribution celebration at Luzviminda Elementary School
in Puerto Princesa City.
Abulon reported that similar scenarios are being
undertaken at the eight locations throughout the province, as the NavForWest
distributed books to children from low-income families.
Statistics show that among disadvantaged
children, the average number of books in the home is only one book for every
300 children. Gonzaga said that the NavForWest, through the help of a
philanthropist, has worked to address that deficit, distributing thousands of
textbooks and reference materials and working with different publishers who
donated and gave discount on the books.
“Children can take the books home, and
schools can fortify their libraries and classrooms with high-quality titles,
including encyclopedias, for all age groups,” Gonzaga said.
Among the recipient of these books were
Mangingisda West Elementary School, Luzviminda Elementary School, Bahile
Elementary School, Bahile National High School, Macarascas High School,
Macarascas Elementary School, Manalo Elementary School, and Sta. Fe Elementary
School, all in Puerto Princesa City; Caramay Elementary School, Tulariquen
Elementary School, Tinitian Elementary School, all in the municipality of
Roxas, Palawan; and Sta. Teresita Elementary School in the municipality of
Dumaran, Palawan.
These books are collected from concerned
citizens who are willing to help our public school children.
“Our donors promised that more books will be
coming and they hope kahit papano it can help our kids para mapalawak nila yung
kanilang views sa mga buhay buhay sa paligid nila,” Gonzaga said.
The impact of these distributions is
profound. In a research conducted by the NavForWest, book ownership increases
educational opportunities at school and, most importantly, it improves interest
in reading, desire to learn and reading time at home.
