This year’s “Araw ng Pagbasa” (National Reading Day) is set for November 27, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

The program is based on DepEd Order no. 09, 2024 series or on the School Calendar and Activities Implementation Guide for School Year (SY) 2024-2025.

In previous years, “Araw ng Pagbasa,” observed by public schools across the country, served as the culminating activity for the National Reading Month (NRM).

NRM, a month-long event celebrated every November, is part of DepEd’s efforts to promote a culture of reading and improve literacy skills among young Filipinos.

Dennis Legaspi, media relations chief of the Office of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, noted that the issuance of the guidelines for the celebration of the 2024 MNR is being finalized.

NRM holiday

While the DepEd Central Office has yet to issue specific guidelines for this year’s NRM celebration, some offices of the DepEd Schools Division have issued memos regarding the event.

The Baybay City Division of Schools in Region 8, for example, issued guidelines on October 28 for the celebration of the 2024 National Reading Month, Pambansang Buwan la Araw ng Pagbasa, as well as the 90th National Book Week.

A list of activities has been recommended for the MNR celebration.

Schools were also reminded to adhere to policies governing student and teacher participation in curricular and extra-curricular activities to ensure “classes are not sacrificed and learning recovery measures are fully implemented”.

The month-long activity includes the division’s initiatives to enhance and improve the reading performance of learners, aligned with the priorities of the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).

Among the suggested activities is the launch of National School-Wide Reading Month, where all school administrators and teachers can serve as “mystery readers” of a Filipino children’s storybook during the flag-raising ceremony.

Other proposed activities include book donations, peer-to-peer reading programs, setting up reading pantries where materials are accessible to all, “book talk” sessions where students share their favorite books, reading tours and poster making activities. during art class.

DepEd declared November the National Reading Month through DepEd Memorandum no. 244, series of 2011, signed by former DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro.

The memo also established the “Araw ng Pagbasa,” during which elementary and secondary students in public and private schools participate in storytelling sessions, preparation of reading lists, reader training and a reader development program.

Schools and learning centers are encouraged to organize various activities for MNR, which may include a ‘reading camp’ which highlights students’ talents in communication arts through competitions and a ‘read-a-thon’ to promote a culture of reading among students and identify the most outstanding individual and team readers in public elementary schools.

During NRM, DepEd encourages schools and learning centers to implement the “Five Words a Week (FWAW) / A Paragraph a Day (APAD) / Library Hour a Week” programs. These programs encourage students to learn and master a word daily for five days a week and read one or two paragraphs aloud each day before class, helping to develop communication skills.

In addition, remedial reading programs are offered, with teachers or classroom counselors providing lessons to students at the frustrating reading level.

Schools and learning centers can also implement activities such as “Big Brother / Big Sister / Kaklase Ko, Sagot Ko / Shared Reading”, where older students or independent readers guide those struggling with a reading level difficult.

Another activity, Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), devotes 15 to 20 minutes daily to reading books or other materials available in the school.