Congratulations to the Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) for a successful conference celebrating their 55th year! I am honored to be a presenter and moderator in one of the concurrent sessions. I was nominated as RAP Board Member by Teacher Nong and that means so much! I was not elected to the board but it does not mean I end my "agape" with RAP.
RAP's annual conference and mid-year demo, as well as talks and webinars are spaces where I find inspiration and challenges to better my skills and competencies as intervention teacher, school librarian and children's book author. Thank you RAP, for being family and for always welcoming me in the community of literacy advocates.
Here are links to my posts on IG as a way of looking back to last week's RAP Emerald Conference
My books on display! Thank you, Lampara Books!
Dr. Cielo Magno and Dr. Maris Diokno pushed for the need to think critically -- a skill that never goes out of style.
I remember Xilef in Dr. Everatt's plenary. And the indefatigable Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan was in his element when sharing about books and why children's literature carries weight in literacy instruction.
Day 2 began with Fr. Johnny Go's thought provoking plenary on AI in teaching and learning. This was followed by inspiring stories of literacy workers, researchers and learners of shapes and sizes!
Indeed, the two day conference of the RAP at St. Paul Manila University lived up to its name, Sparkling and Growing in Advocating Literacy and Addressing Learning Gaps @55
Celebrating Literacy: November is Reading Month
To mark National Reading Month and Library and Information Services Month, the BA Library is launching a new community-wide book drive. This year, we are focusing our efforts on a very special partner: the Biñan Studies Center (BSC).
The BSC, which receives our library's retired books annually for distribution to Barangay Reading Centers, recently opened its doors on October 10, 2025, in its symbolic new home—the beautifully rebuilt old Biñan jailhouse. This redesign is a powerful statement, transforming the space into a beacon of literacy as a human right and a tool for liberation.
The Immediate Need: A Children’s Corner
During a visit on November 7, 2025, we were delighted to discover the new BSC now includes a dedicated reading corner for children and teens—a wonderful addition not present in its previous location. However, this promising new corner is currently wanting of books.
The BA Library is therefore inviting the entire BA Community to help us fill these shelves with books that young Binanense readers need and love. We will promote the drive throughout November and December, aiming for a special delivery in January 2026.
How You Can Participate
This initiative is open to all Students, Teachers, and Staff. Your support can make a direct impact on literacy in Biñan.
1. Donate Books: The 3-Step Donation Mechanic
We are seeking new or gently used books suitable for children and teens (such as picture books, early readers, and young adult fiction/non-fiction).
Identify & Select: Check your personal or classroom shelves for age-appropriate books in good condition.
Label & Prepare: Place your books in a bag or box clearly labeled "BSC Book Drive."
Drop-Off: Bring your donation to the BA Library desk anytime before the end of the semester.
2. Volunteer: Lend Your Skills and Time
We need a few dedicated volunteers to help ensure the drive meets the community's actual needs:
Community Liaisons: We need a small group to join me (and/or Flynn) to meet with the BSC librarian. Your role will be crucial in identifying the specific reading needs of the community, allowing us to target our donations effectively.
Delivery Assistants: We also need assistance in January 2026 when we organize and deliver all the collected books to the BSC. Many hands make light work of a big delivery!
Please see Ms. Zarah or Mr. Flynn at the BA Library to sign up as a volunteer or for more information. Let's celebrate the gift of reading by sharing it with the young readers of Biñan!
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