Bacolod City – An ordinance creating a Barangay Reading Corner in every barangay in Bacolod City, was recently approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod.
To be known as the “Barangay Reading Corner Ordinance of the City of Bacolod” the proposed ordinance was authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor.
Recognizing the laudable purpose of R.A. No. 7743 or “An Act Providing for the Establishment of Congressional, City and Municipal Libraries and Barangay Reading Centers throughout the Philippines”, and immense benefit, learning and knowledge it can contribute to Bacolod City constituents, the Bacolod City Government recognized the need to require establishment of Barangay Reading Centers in all Barangays within the city to promote and encourage reading at the grassroots level, particularly in the Barangay, with the end view of enhancing intellectual capabilities of every individual, promoting the habit of reading, and ultimately eradicating illiteracy in the community, the ordinance said.
Except for barangays with existing libraries or Barangay Reading Center/Corner/s, all barangay in Bacolod City will establish a Barangay Reading Corner within twelve months from the effectivity of the ordinance.
The Barangay Reading Corners shall be jointly operated by the respective barangay where it will be established and by the Bacolod City Public Library.
The ordinance provides for the establishment of a Bacolod Literacy Coordinating Council to be headed by the City Mayor as chairperson, to serve as overall advisory and coordinating body in providing policy and program directions for all literacy endeavors in the city.
To support the literacy goals of this ordinance and ensure the continued use of the Barangay Reading Corners, there will be monthly reading sessions conducted in each barangay to be facilitated jointly by Child Development Workers (formerly Day Care Workers) assigned in the barangay and the Bacolod City Public Librarian or their designated representative.
The City Public Library, in partnership with DepEd, non-government organizations (NGOs), and other literacy partners, will conduct training and orientation programs for barangay officials, Child Development Workers, and volunteers on managing reading corners and facilitating literacy activities. (Chrysee Semillano via tvds)