CamSur lawmaker pushes for nationwide libraries to boost literacy, education outcomes
Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte is leading a legislative push to establish libraries and reading centers in every city, municipality and barangay across the Philippines, as well as upgrade book rooms in all elementary, high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide.
The proposed measures aim to improve literacy and education outcomes as the country embarks on its learning recovery program.
Villafuerte is pushing for the passage of House Bill (HB) 1798, seeking to establish libraries and reading centers in every city, municipality and barangay, and HB 3687, upgrading the book rooms in all elementary and high schools as well as in colleges and universities nationwide.
The bill proposes to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 7743, which currently governs the establishment of libraries and reading centers.
HB 1798 introduces provisions for modern computer and electronic library technology, ensuring that facilities are equipped with up-to-date resources. This includes standard sets of books, e-books, and online research materials, enhancing the educational resources available to students and communities.
“To prepare young Filipinos for the challenges of the future, as well as keep our economy competitive, there should be provincial, city, and municipal public libraries as well as barangay reading centers in all places nationwide that still do not have such facilities, and every elementary, secondary and tertiary school in the Philippines must be equipped with up-to-date library resources, certified library media specialists, access to advanced technology, and proper instruction on the use of library and information resources,” Villafuerte said, according to Politiko.
The senior lawmaker is also pushing for an increase in the salaries of public school teachers to complement the increase in their school supply allowance.
In House Bill 1851, Villafuerte seeks to increase the entry level monthly salary of public school teachers from P27,000 (Salary Grade 11) to P51,357 (SG 19).
Last June, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 11997, doubling the annual school supply allowance of public school teachers to P10,000 starting SY 2025-2026.
Around 20 million students enrolled in the K to 12 program were expected to return to schools on July 29, marking the start of the 2024-2025 School Year (SY), according to the Department of Education.
However, some schools in areas affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon have postponed the opening of their classes.
