PH Reading Crisis in Focus at the Country’s First Reading Advocates Conference

The National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA), an organization composed of over 100 reading advocacy organizations, educators, and change-makers across the Philippines, will hold its first conference at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

The first NARA Conference, which carries the theme ”Pamitinan ng Lingkod-Mambabasa,” is convened by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) to address the challenges and seek out opportunities to help resolve the country’s reading crisis.

The conference’s theme, inspired by the limestone cave found in the foothills of the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range, represents the hope to spark a movement united for reading.

“We have gathered reading advocates from across the nation for a very important reason: We want them to talk and cooperate with each other. Our nation’s readership problem is multifaceted, which means it cannot be addressed by a single entity or the government alone. As secretariat of the NARA, we will exhaust all means to advance Philippine readership through collaboration and innovation,” according to NBDB Readership Development Division Chief Daniel Mariano.

The conference will look into the State of the Reading Nation, a showcase of innovative literacy programs, and networking opportunities. The alliance will also ratify and declare the NARA Agenda, a cornerstone document that details and highlights the areas and goals that will address the nation’s reading crisis.

”This is a groundbreaking move in advocating for our national readership. In a historic plenary of reading stewards, practical solutions and innovative strategies to advance the nation’s reading culture will be in focus. We look forward to seeing participants engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations centered on holistic approaches to readership development,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

Membership to the NARA is open to reading advocates who are committed to help improve Philippine readership. For more information and details on how to register, visit bit.ly/joinnara or contact the NBDB Reading Campaigns Section at campaigns@books.gov.ph.

Expanding BDO’s Presence in Bacolod City

BDO has 38 branches across Negros Occidental: 14 BDO branches and 1 BDO Network Bank in Metro Bacolod, along with 12 BDO branches and 11 BDO Network Bank outside the city. There are over 100 ATMs strategically located throughout the province to ensure accessible banking services for everyone.

To make banking more convenient for its clients, Bacolod branches offer extended banking hours and even weekend services.

BDO aims to further expand its presence in Negros Occidental to bring its banking solutions closer to individuals and businesses, and contribute to the local economy’s growth.

Embarking on community marketing activities in Bacolod

BDO’s presence through its branches and community marketing efforts has allowed the Bank to better understand and respond to the unique needs of its local markets.

In Bacolod, this approach paved the rollout of banking solutions that resonate with the community’s values and economic aspirations, such as support for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families. Moreover, it has started and strengthened bank-client relationships for the long-term.

Going digital, even at the branch

BDO offers digital innovations like the self-service machines in its branches nationwide to make banking easier, simpler, more secure, and more accessible. These digital innovations complement the Bank’s traditional over-the-counter services provided by branch personnel.

The following are available in Bacolod branches:

• SAM (or Service Assist Machine) allows to clients to digitally enter their transactions at the branch instead of filling out traditional branch forms. 
• Online Branch Booking enables our clients to schedule their branch visits ahead and enter their transaction details even before they get to the branch.
• Online Account Opening makes it easy for clients to open an account anywhere, anytime. No need to visit the branch to open their accounts
• Universal Machine is the latest innovation in BDO’s machines, allowing clients to do transactions like update their smart passbooks, deposit checks, withdraw/deposit cash and more without even lining up at the counter.

Clients can use these digital tools to reduce their time spent to complete their transactions and improve their overall branch banking experience.