Children are all ears during a storytelling session in their new libraryStudents and teachers in Looc, Batangas now have access to more learning and educational resources with a brand-new library recently turned over to Looc Elementary School by ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.’s (ALKFI) Programa Genio and partner organizations.

Programa Genio spearheaded the project as part of ABS-CBN’s commitment to help Filipinos nationwide have access to more learning opportunities.

The library was built with donations from the Filipino American Cultural Organization and is in line with the Department of Education’s “Every Child a Reader” program. 

Maricar Estole, program director of Programa Genio, said the library and teacher training program give children a safe space and resources so they can learn to love reading and become better students, while assisting the teachers in giving their students the best education possible.

According to Donalyn Maya, officer-in-charge of Looc Elementary School and chairman of the Looc-Balete Development Association, the new library benefits both students and teachers.

“This new library and the supplies in it are a huge help not just to the students but to us teachers, too,” said Maya. “We now have easy access to reference books that are usually found in bigger city libraries, while the children can foster a love for reading and learning with the new books.”

The library is just one of the projects spearheaded by ALKFI to help the residents of Looc have access to education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities. The town has been one of ALKFI’s beneficiaries or adopted communities since 2016.