“Masaya kami na magbabasa kami! Sana madaming kwento.” Alisa, one of the children said during PHINMA’s Aklatan sa Bistekville 2 held in Quezon City last September 16, 2017.
There were more than 40 children aged 7-11 who listened to Becky Bravo’s Just Add Dirt, a short story on hygiene. PHINMA HEROES, Ms. Jewel Cruz, Mr. Gerard Divinagracia, and Mr. Jerome de Guzman told the story of Miguel and how he had to experience the consequences of not showering.
“It was fun! The kids, they find it hilarious. They learned an important lesson,” said Jerome de Guzman, a PHINMA HERO storyteller. Just Add Dirt taught the kids about cleanliness and hygiene. “I enjoyed interacting with the children.I wish we had more time with them.” Jerome said.
Aside from the storytelling session, the Aklatan sa Bistekville 2 was also the opening ceremony for the e-library in Bistekville 2. Fr. Ariel Bejo conducted a formal blessing of the library. Afterwards, Mr. Ricky Siton, Vice-President for Socialized Housing in PHINMA Property Holdings Corp. and Ms. Teresita Bognot, Estate Manager of Bistekville 2 shared a few words to the guests and the kids.
“This library is to encourage you to study hard, to help you to achieve your dreams.” Mr. Siton told the children and guests. Mr. Siton highlighted the importance of the library to the kids. The library is a place that provides the children of Bistekville 2 with resources to help them
“This is the result of the efforts of many actors.” Mr. Siton said. The Aklatan sa Bistekville 2 is a joint project of PHINMA Property Holdings Corp., PHINMA Foundation, Inc., Diversity and Unity Bistekville 2 Credit Coop, and the students of Colegio de Santa Teresa.
“Ang ganda na naging part kami nito. Siguro sa iba maliit, pero sa amin ang laki na.” said Ms. Glenda Monleon, Head of the DUBCC. Ms. Glenda’s group helped in making Aklatan sa Bistekville 2 a success. Through the partnership, the children of Bistekville 2 were given books, computers, and reading space where they will be encouraged to find new knowledge.
“Para sa amin ito at para sa anak namin.” Ms. Glenda said regarding the library and the storytelling.