Reading Advocates' Spirit Remains Strong Despite State of Reading Challenges in the Philippines

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) believes that the determination of reading advocates in the Philippines remains strong despite the current challenges facing the state of reading in the country.

The State of the Reading Nation Address (SORNA) for the second quarter of this year was presented during the inaugural Milestone Meeting of the National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA). This initiative, a project of the NBDB, brings together numerous readership advocates and plays a crucial role in the NBDB’s ongoing efforts to foster a love for reading in the Philippines.

The second-quarter SORNA highlighted three key areas: the importance of community engagement and support networks, the necessity of teacher training and professional development, and the critical issue of access to resources and materials.

"To address these vital points, advocates and stakeholders across government, non-government, and private sectors are working tirelessly to rekindle a love for reading among Filipino adults and children and to prevent a reading crisis," emphasized Daniel Lorenzo Mariano, OIC of NBDB’s Readership Development Division (READ).

Established in the second quarter, the NARA and its members are collaboratively working to enhance Philippine readership. In April, the NBDB hosted the second edition of its flagship event, the Philippine Book Festival (PBF), a four-day fair attended by over 30,000 people. This event also served as the platform for the soft launch of NARA. The all-Filipino book fair aims to promote a culture of reading and simultaneously support the growth of the publishing industry in the country.

In response to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, which underscored the need to address literacy and reading issues, the Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted a science-based approach to teaching reading. Stakeholders are hopeful that the incoming DepEd chief, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, will advocate for reading and address the country's literacy challenges.

In collaboration with DepEd, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is promoting a reading mindset through its nationwide tutoring program, “Tara, Basa.” This initiative has trained thousands of student-tutors and youth development workers to conduct reading sessions for struggling and non-reader Grade 2 learners in public elementary schools. The program also includes “Nanay-Tatay” teacher sessions to empower parents and guardians to actively support their children’s reading journeys.

Several Local Government Units (LGUs), along with private and non-profit organizations, have also launched their own readership development programs.

Other efforts implemented during the second quarter aim to foster a reading culture among Filipinos and shape the country's reading landscape.

“The NBDB, through NARA, is working on developing a NARA Readers’ Agenda. Alongside passionate advocates such as educators, librarians, publishers, community leaders, and students, we will continue to raise our collective voice to highlight the power of reading and make it an exciting and enriching adventure,” added Mariano.

Built to Last in Any Situation: Uratex Monoblock Demonstrates Superior Strength in 'Laro' Ad

Uratex Monoblock, the trusted Filipino plastic furniture brand, recently launched its second campaign video, “Laro,” as part of its year-long campaign “Bawal ang Marupok,” which highlights how monobloc chairs can support and become part of every Filipino’s passion—even their intense gaming sessions.

Filipinos show undeniable dedication to their hobbies, and among these is gaming, which has become a significant part of Filipino culture and society. In the ad titled “Laro,” it showed how Filipinos need not only a reliable team, but also a dependable monobloc chair that literally has their back. The video showed a teenage boy fervently playing an online game while seated on a Uratex Monoblock chair. He is interrupted by his father calling for help with his mother. As the boy rushes to help, his father takes over the game, testing the durability of the Uratex Monoblock chair with his intense play.

The Uratex Monoblock chair remains resilient through the family's lively interactions and energetic moments. The ad emphasized the chair's durability in typical Filipino household scenarios. Whether faced with daily activities or unexpected events, Uratex Monoblock stands ready to provide stable and reliable support.

Uratex Monoblock is the sole local plastic furniture brand with global standards at Level 5 certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), reinforcing its 200kg seat load capacity that ensures durability and reliability of its premium products. Additionally, Uratex Monoblock holds local certifications from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), and has secured certification from the Advertising Standards Council (ASC).

“Uratex Monoblock understands the unique needs of Filipinos, from accomplishing everyday tasks to pursuing hobbies, especially the passion of the younger generation for various activities including gaming. Our monobloc chairs are designed to provide unwavering support and reliability, ensuring that individuals seated, no matter how intense or long the hours required, enjoy comfort and style,” said Mr. Dindo Medina, Business Unit Director of Uratex Monoblock.

The latest “Bawal ang Marupok” video advertisement showcased the indomitable Filipino spirit, reminding viewers that when they feel weak and give in to even video games, Uratex remains strong and dependable with their superior products. With Uratex Monoblock, no game is too intense and no session is too long when you’ve got a seat that’s as ready for action as you are.

Uratex Monoblock offers a variety of classic chairs perfect for gaming, work, or hobbies, such as the 101 Classic Chair, Americana Chair, and Sofie Chair. Designed with a traditional Filipino style, these chairs are all durable and comfortable, fitting various home styles and personal tastes to ensure everyone can find the perfect match for their needs.

In addition to their classic chairs, Uratex Monoblock also provides lifestyle chairs such as the Brooklyn Chair, Marciana Chair, and Olympia Chair. These stylish and comfortable seating options are ideal for gaming, work, or hobbies. Whether you're looking for something timeless or modern, Uratex Monoblock has a chair to suit your preferences.

Can you relate to the intensity of gaming? Watch the "Laro" video on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to see how Uratex Monoblock stands up to the challenge–from family fun to serious gaming sessions. For more information on Uratex and its products, visit https://uratex.com.ph/collections/monoblocs.

All claims in the video and press release have been verified as true by the Ad Standards Council, ASC-M0056N032224U.

About Uratex Monoblock

Introduced in 1993, Uratex Monoblock is a brand that offers lightweight yet attractive and durable plastic furniture that has become popular in homes, offices, restaurants, picnic grounds, places for recreation, and just about anywhere.

Uratex Monoblock provides assurance and confidence making sure each person and their families are well-supported and cared for for years to come. Uratex Monoblock is not only safe and sturdy, but it is also certified to withstand the test of time and weight.