Bulan, Sorsogon

The Directress of the Montessori School in Bulan Sorsogon, Ms. Gee Orteza, requested for assistance to conduct a read-aloud program among children in low-income barangays in the area in 2001, as part of her school's community service. Although this is an unusual set-up (we have a policy of focusingbour efforts on public schools), BKP sent 500 books ensuring that the main beneficiaries would be the children in poorer communities.

Ms. Gee Orteza, (back row wearing red shirt)
Headmistress of Bulan Montessori School in Bgy San Vicente
in Bulan, Sorsogon poses with the parent volunteers and participants
of Bulan Montessori Saturday Club program whose goal is to
read-aloud to indigent children in neighboring barangays.

Binahuanan Pilar, Sorsogon

Book Lovers Mini Library is located in the Binanuahan Elementary School, very accessible to students of the nearby high school, out of school youths, and professionals. On September 2, 2002, 125 pupils of Binanuahan Elementary School registered for the Read-Aloud Program, of which 91 attend. Twentysix volunteer- mentors are regularly conducting the Read-Aloud Sessions each Saturday.

Bgy. Gabao, Irosin Sorsogon

The mini-library in Barangay Monbon is the fourth BKP library to be opened in Irosin, Sorsogon with the help of LIKAS in March, 2001. BKP-Massachusetts sent two boxes of children’s and financial assistance. Ms. Navarro initially reported two teachers in Barangay Monbon conduct regular read aloud sessions. These teachers attended the training in conducted by BKP in Manila. The, BKP sponsored another Read-Aloud Workshop for 32 participants in Irosin in mid 2001.

Binahuanan Pilar, Sorsogon

Book Lovers Mini Library is located in the Binanuahan Elementary School, very accessible to students of the nearby high school, out of school youths, and professionals. On September 2, 2002, 125 pupils of Binanuahan Elementary School registered for the Read-Aloud Program, of which 91 attend. Twentysix volunteer- mentors are regularly conducting the Read-Aloud Sessions each Saturday. Ms. Maureen Totanes, the librarian, works with the teaching staff of that elementary school and with Sr. Lourdes Molina, principal of the Dominican School of Pilar training and supervising the studentvolunteer mentors. Rudy Flores, Head Teacher, thanks BKP for sending the books. "This program will greatly help our learners develop their interest in reading and love of books. God bless you."

Irosin, Sorsogon

BKP volunteer Lilibeth Aristorenas visits the Bgy Monbon Public Library that BKP helped establish in 2000.

BKP, Inc. initiated the read-aloud programs and library project with the help of an umbrella group called "LIKAS" (Lingap sa Kalusugan ng Sambayanan or Concern for the People's Health). LIKAS is a nongovernment social development agency which seeks to empower low-income communities initially through alternative health care projects. Its efforts evolved into a wide array of integrated rural development initiatives including programs promoting livelihood and literacy. The first library is managed by the Malayang Lapian ng Kababaihan, Inc. (Free Association of Women).

This group runs a child develoment center. The second is operated by the Irosin Central School Parents- Teachers association and housed in the school's Resource Center. The town officials of Barangay Gabao manage the third BKP, Inc.-sponsored mini children's library that was set up in the area.

Irosin is basically an agricultural town with a population of approximately 60,000, the majority of whom live below the poverty line. The area's literacy rate is around 70% according to recent statistics, and Irosin students consistently perform poorly in high school standardized tests required by the national government for college admission.

Bgy. Gabao, Irosin Sorsogon

The mini-library in Barangay Monbon is the fourth BKP library to be opened in Irosin, Sorsogon with the help of LIKAS in March, 2001. BKP-Massachusetts sent two boxes of children’s and financial assistance. Ms. Navarro initially reported two teachers in Barangay Monbon conduct regular read aloud sessions. These teachers attended the training in conducted by BKP in Manila. The, BKP sponsored another Read-Aloud Workshop for 32 participants in Irosin in mid 2001.

Barangay Monbon has a population of 3,031 and has 602 households as of 1996. Almost half of the population is between the ages of 0 to 14. The main source of livelihood is farming followed by livestock-raising. The average educational attainment is in the elementary level.

In June 15, 2002 Ms Caroline Ubalde, current LIKAS -Director made a special presentation and update to the BKP Board during her visit to the USA.

Sa aking mga kababayan, I grew up witnessing my late Lolo (Congressman “Picoy” Lim) devoting his life to serve the people in Irosin. BKP gave me the opportunity to continue my Lolo’s commitment to serve you. It touches my heart to see the joy and delight in the children’s eyes when they open the books BKP sends them. When I was there in 2002 and had the chance to visit all the libraries that we have helped set up, I felt so proud of being a BKP volunteer. The success of this program in Irosin would not be possible without the local organizers who work hand in hand with BKP.