• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance creating a barangay reading corner in every barangay in Bacolod City, was recently approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Celia Flor said Republic Act. No. 7743, or “An Act Providing For The Establishment Of Congressional, City, And Municipal Libraries And Barangay Reading Centers throughout the Philippines,” lays down the policy of the state to promote the moral intellectual well-being of the people; elevate the literacy level of every Filipino to the end that illiteracy is eradicated by the end of the century; and recognize the vital role of knowledge and information in nation building by establishing public libraries in every congressional district, city and municipality, and reading centers in every Barangay throughout the Philippines.
Recognizing the laudable purpose of R.A. No. 7743 and immense benefit, learning and knowledge it can contribute to Bacolod City constituents, the Bacolod City Government recognized the need to require establishment of Barangay Reading Centers in all barangays within the city to promote and encourage reading at the grassroots level, particularly in the barangay, with the end view of enhancing intellectual capabilities of every individual, promoting the habit of reading, and ultimately eradicating illiteracy in the community, it said.
The proposed ordinance will be known as the “Barangay Reading Corner Ordinance of the City of Bacolod.” It provides for the establishment of the Bacolod Literacy Coordinating Council (BLCC) to be chaired by the city mayor.*
