Smiles of excitement. Learners of the Malamote Elementary School in Midsayap line up inside the minibus full of educational books. The children have the freedom to choose what book they want to read as part of the literacy skills development of the provincial government’s mobile library for underprivileged children. (Photo: Provincial Librarian Aurora Nebrija )
The Provincial Government of Cotabato, through its efforts to promote literacy to safeguard the achievement of the dreams of the younger generation, has reactivated its bookmobile library services through “Library on Wheels.”
The “Library on Wheels” was reactivated after the operation stopped two years ago due to the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic.
“The primary goal of the bookmobile library is to not only extend to the barangays the library services of the provincial government but to also improve the reading skills of the children,” Aurora Nebrija, provincial librarian, said.
She added that the mobile library services include storytelling, reading, film viewing, puzzle solving, and other activities that would support the development of children's literacy skills.
“The provincial government, through the leadership of Governor Emmylou Mendoza, is steadfast in investing in programs that would advance the welfare of the children, who are seen as the new generation of leaders,” Nebrija added.
The program is also a significant channel to introduce young kids to new technology used in learning. The provincial government not only aims to make children enjoy the service of the Provincial Library but also provides them with accurate, timely, and relevant learning that they can use in their future endeavors.
Pupils of the Central Glad Elementary School in Midsayap enjoy a short educational film using a tablet. Film viewing is one of the educational activities under the "Library on Wheels" of the Provincial Government of Cotabato. (Photo: Provincial Librarian Aurora Nebrija)
On its first three days of operation, the “Library on Wheels” went to Central Glad Elementary School, Malamote Elementary School, and Agriculture Central Elementary School, where more or less 400 pupils enjoyed the bookmobile services.
“In the municipality of Midsayap, we partnered with the municipal librarian and teachers of beneficiary schools to give our pupils a wonderful learning experience,” the provincial librarian said.
The municipal government, through Mayor Rolly Sacdalan, expressed full support for the program to encourage pupils to learn more at an early age. “This program is important as it is also an avenue to address learning gaps among children,” the local chief executive said.
Aside from addressing the learning gaps, “Library on Wheels” advances children’s knowledge of how to use electronic gadgets such as tablets for educational purposes.
The bookmobile services also served the pupils of Lope T. Quial Elementary School in Libungan last week and three schools in Pigcawayan: Capayuran Elementary School on Monday, Kimarayag Elementary School on Tuesday, and North Manuangan Elementary School on Wednesday.
“We are thankful to the provincial government for bringing the Provincial Library to our area through the mobile library. This is important to create awareness among children that, despite the digital age, reading books is still one of the best trends in education,” Pigacawayan Municipal Librarian Fe Duelas stated.
Making life colorful. One of the activities that a learner could enjoy through the "Library on Wheels" is coloring. Through this activity, children’s creative and artistic skills are developed. (Photo: Provincial Librarian Aurora Nebrija)
The “Library on Wheels” is set to visit Ladtingan, Inug-ug, and Ginatilan elementary schools in Pikit on September 18, 19, and 20, respectively.
The bookmobile library will also visit the elementary schools in Sta. Cruz on September 25, Katalicanan on September 26, and Bacolod on September 27, all in the municipality of Aleosan.
For those who want to know more about the services of the Provincial Library, they may visit the facility at the Capitol Compound in Amas, Kidapawan City, said Nebrija. (SJDM -- PIA Cotabato Province)
