By Jasmine Ysabelle A. Sitchon

CPU Pharmacy Student Council members hand over books during the turnover ceremonies at Cadilang Elementary School and Agdayao Integrated School.

PASSI CITY, June 7, 2025 – In the quiet corners of the world—where paved roads fade into dirt

paths and signal bars vanish—children are growing up without the simple joy of a bedtime story or the luxury of a textbook. In response to this pressing need, the College of Pharmacy Student Council of Central Philippine University launched a literacy outreach program with one clear goal: to place books in the hands of children who need them most.

The outreach program, titled “Phara sa KinaBOOkasan,” brought donated books to Cadilang Elementary School and Agdayao Integrated School, two rural schools in Passi City, Philippines. Ranging from picture books and folktales to science, math, and language textbooks, the donation was tailored to benefit both early learners and high school students. Alongside this, the council and other volunteers conducted small programs in the schools consisting of fun activities, a turnover ceremony, and provided snacks for the learners.

Donated books fill the table, symbolizing hope and opportunity for learners in remote areas.

According to UNESCO (2017), literacy is one of the most important drivers of human development, with direct impacts on poverty, health, gender equality, and civic participation. Yet in many remote areas, schools operate with inadequate resources. A 2018 World Bank study found that in parts of rural Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, there may be only one textbook for every six children. In the Philippines, Department of Education reports have noted persistent shortages in reading materials, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA). As a result, many children lag in reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, two key indicators of future academic success.

Research supports the effectiveness of such efforts. A 2019 meta-analysis published in Review of Educational Research showed that book giveaway programs significantly enhance home literacy environments and children’s early reading skills. Programs that included parent and teacher engagement saw even greater results.

Beyond the donation itself, Phara sa KinaBOOKasan emphasized sustainability and community

ownership. In a world striving for equity and inclusion, the simple act of sharing a story becomes a powerful symbol of hope. With continued effort and compassion, initiatives like these can turn the page for countless communities—one book, one child, and one future at a time.