Adarna House donated the rights to print and distribute over one million books to the Department of Education through a royalty-free license at a ceremonial event held at Taytay Elementary School in partnership with the Department of Education and the Office of the President. This is part of DepEd's nationwide back-to-school efforts for Key Stage 1 learners (ages 5 to 7), helping expand access to quality reading materials and strengthen early literacy across the country.
In attendance were Assistant Secretary Cilette Liboro Co (DepEd Public Affairs Service and External Partnerships Service), Undersecretary Georgina Ann H. Yang (Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the President), Regional Director Carlito D. Rocafort (DepEd Region IV-A), Schools Division Superintendent Doris DJ. Estalilla (DepEd Rizal), Taytay Elementary School Principal Jeanette SL. San Jose, and LGU Taytay Administrative Officer Daven Mendoza.
Representing Adarna House were Chairman Agno Almario and Vice President for Product Development Ani Almario.
The event highlighted the shared commitment of both public and private institutions to address learning gaps by ensuring that young learners have access to age-appropriate, engaging, and culturally relevant storybooks.
Enabling New Young Readers
What makes this initiative especially impactful is its direct benefit to learners beyond the classroom. Unlike traditional donations that remain within school libraries, the books from this program will be brought home, allowing children to build their own personal libraries and experience reading as part of everyday life.
This is particularly meaningful in communities where access to books at home remains limited. This initiative is a critical step in nurturing independent reading habits at an early age, especially as the country faces a national literacy crisis.
Through this large-scale donation, Adarna House reinforces its long-standing mission of making Filipino children’s literature widely accessible, while supporting the Department of Education’s efforts to strengthen literacy foundations across the country. The collaboration reflects a shared belief that reading should not be confined to the classroom, but should extend into homes and communities where it can have a lasting impact.