On June 14, nine alumni of the Batanes Photo Safari organized the turnover of 33 boxes of books for the 70 students of Bagong Silang Elementary School in Bagong Silang, Los Baños, Laguna.
The group, collectively known as the Barrio Readers, worked in cooperation with the Society of IRRI Non Professionals (Sinop), headed by Ramon Oliveros. We honored the memory of Eva Corazon Pagcaliwagan Reyes, who helped build the school library.
Bamboo bridge
The trip took about one hour, and included a trek on a hanging bamboo bridge. The children were waiting for us at the school hall. We had lunch with them after we read to seven batches.
The readers included Maricel Hacla, Viqui del Rosario, Grizel Go, Dr. Belen Dofitas, Evelyn Baradas, Dr. Vivian Gonzales, Janine Lloren, Juris Umali and Norma Tan. Dada Cua got the books from the Rotary Club of Makati. Thanks to Au Melvin of Books Across the Seas for her donation.
The Barrio Readers intend to visit other remote areas. If you want the group to read for your students, e-mail us at mandynavasero@yahoo.com. We also need donations. Call 896-73208 or 0915 543-0482.
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We’re offering a 10-percent discount on our Batanes Photo Safari from February to May next year if you register before Aug. 30. Visit mandy-navasero.blogspot.com.