PICTURE BOOK LAUNCHES TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS

As a center of learning, the #NationalLibraryPH supports this advocacy by hosting the book launching event on 13 March 2023 held at the Epifanio delos Santos Auditorium. NLP Asst. Director Edgardo B. Quiros welcomed the attendees and promoted the Children’s Library and Gallery of NLP which will open soon. NLP Kuwentistas of the Children’s Section gave life to the story of the book through a storytelling activity and puppet show.

“𝗔𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸,” written by Ms. Airyn Gimeno, the Community Engagement Specialist of NLEX, conveyed concepts that will enhance the knowledge and skills of children to reduce road accidents and save lives. This book provides a fun and accessible platform for parents and teachers to start important conversations about staying safe on the streets.

This book is the action taken by NLEX Corporation in fulfilling its commitment to UNICEF to promote road safety awareness to Filipino children. This was stated by Mr. Luigi Bautista, President and General Manager of NLEX Corp. who also mentioned that they are committed to assist 100 schools in the identified high risk areas to provide informative road safety lessons.

According to Dr. Angelito Umali of UNICEF “Sa lahat ng gawain ay dapat na tingnan ang kapakanan ng kabataan, dahil kung ligtas ang daan para sa kabataan ay ligtas ito para sa lahat.” As the book effectively communicates important lessons on road safety to avoid road accidents and injury, this is also a way of protecting the rights of our children.

Three selected elementary schools from Bulacan, Pampanga and Manila were the first group of students who learned about the book. The three participating schools are: Lapu-Lapu Elementary School headed by their School Principal, Dr. Roniko C. Natividad; Duhat Elementary School with their School Principal, Ms. Elvira C. Principe; and, Pabanlag Elementary School with their Administrator Officer, Ms. Mary Ann L. Montero. Director Marilyn Siao, Director III of the Bureau of Learning Delivery represented Usec. Gina Gonong of the Department of Education. Dir. Siao calls the attention of educators and learners to undertake their role in promoting the concepts and values of being a responsible citizen and create a safer road and community. She also mentioned that DepEd curriculum developers are integrating age appropriate road safety concepts across learning areas to help reduce road related accidents.

Other DepEd and NLEX officials also participated in the program including: Ms.Donna Marcelo, Vice President of Communication and Stakeholder Management and Ms. Cynthia Casino, Chief of Governance and Risk Officer and Head of Sustainability (MPTC) both from NLEX Corporation; Dr. Ruby M. Jimenez, Education Program Supervisor for Learning Resources Management and Development System from DepEd Pampanga; Dr. Cecilia S. Custodio, Chief Education Program Supervisor, SGOD and Mr. Bryan Amiel F. De Jesus, Senior Education Program Specialist for Social Mobilization and Networking, both from DepEd Bulacan; Dr. Ebenezer Beloy, Education Chief and Division Supervisor, Curriculum Implementation from DepEd Manila; the NLEX Road Warriors, Sean Anthony and Asi Taulava. NLP Chiefs were also present at the program including Ms. Maricel M. Urena of Research and Publications Division, Ms. Melody M. Madrid of Collection Development Division, Ms. Maricel M. Diaz, Asst. Chief of Filipiniana Division and Ms. Flodeliza T. Quinones, Asst. Chief of Reference Division.

As communities continue to prioritize road safety awareness, initiatives like this picture book serve as a beacon of hope in creating a safer environment for children everywhere.

The program was concluded with the NLP Educational Virtual Tour offered by NLP to share information about the history, services, and collection of the library.

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