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QUEZON CITY, 22 November 2023— As part of the 2023 Pambansang Buwan ng Pagbasa at Araw ng Pagbasa celebration, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) Sara Z. Duterte launched her first children’s book titled “Isang Kaibigan.”

VP-Secretary Duterte shared that the Filipino children inspired her to write her book and when she was invited for a book reading session, a close friend of hers noted that she should read books by Filipino authors.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga batang Pilipino because they gave me the inspiration to write the book [Isang Kaibigan],” VP-Sec. Duterte said.

Isang Kaibigan follows the story of Kwago and Loro and teaches how the power of true friendship can overcome even the toughest challenges that may befall anyone.

VP-Sec. Duterte first read Isang Kaibigan when she was invited to be the mystery reading ambassador of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao, City as part of National Reading Month on November 11.

The official book launch was conducted during the culmination program of Araw ng Pagbasa as the VP-Secretary conducted a live reading session to selected Grade 3 learners of Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon, City last November 21, 2023.

“Ang pagbabasa ay nagpapalago ng inyong imahinasyon, nagpapalawak sa inyong kaalaman, at nagbibigay sa inyo ng kakayahan na makita ang mas malawak na posibilidad sa gitna ng inyong mga limitasyon. Tandaan, sa ating mga kabataan, na ang pagbabasa ay ang pintuan patungo sa isang maligaya at matatag na kinabukasan,” VP-Sec. Duterte reiterated.

Duterte also shared that she will soon donate copies of her book to the school libraries around the country.

The book was illustrated by Janina Simbillo and Joseph Caligner of the Public Affairs Service- Creative Media Unit of the Department.

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