As part of our 45th Anniversary, we'd like to share with you these "Laking Adarna" stories. These are messages from friends of the company, beloved customers, and partners, whose lives have been impacted by our service as much as our House has grown from their support.
This first letter is from Dr. Cristina Espino, Adarna Group Foundation Inc. (AGFI) Beneficiary.
June 29, 2025
Dear Adarna House,
Happy 45th Anniversary!
Words alone can never fully express our gratitude for the impact your publishing company has had on the Municipality of Samal, Bataan, especially on the lives of our children and their mothers.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Cristina Espino, and I served as the Municipal Health Officer of Samal from 1988 until December 2022. As a then-4th-class municipality (now elevated to 2nd class), we faced persistent challenges, particularly in supporting the health and development of mothers and children.
In April 2013, the Samal Lying-In Center and Birthing Clinic was inaugurated. I was filled with concerns on how best to educate mothers and support young children. Then, in July 2013, as if by fate, Mrs. Lyn Almario visited my office, introduced Adarna Group Foundation Inc. (AGFI), and shared its mission, vision, and programs. I was convinced that this was the partnership we needed.
AGFI, as the CSR arm of Adarna House and the Raya School, brought early literacy and maternal wellness to the forefront. With strong support from our Local Chief Executive and the 14 Punong Barangays, our Rural Health Unit staff eagerly embraced the initiative.
From 2013 to 2022, we conducted over 60 training sessions for healthcare providers, mothers, and barangay health workers. More than 800 mothers and children participated in reading sessions, and over 6,000 books were distributed; 1,700 at the Birthing Clinic and 4,350 throughout the municipality.
In 2023-2024, under the Unang Isang Libong Araw initiative, 400 copies each of Kalusugan at Nutrisyon Namin ni Baby, Pagkain ni Baby, and Maagang Pagkamulat ni Baby were distributed to mothers and infants.
In 2024 and into 2025, Adarna House also donated books to the new Samal Municipal Library, the Samal Super RHU, and all 15 Barangay Health Stations. Trainings have expanded to include our Child Development Workers serving daycare children.
Furthermore, the LGU established a Reading Room at the RHU for children to enjoy books while waiting for consultations. Though suspended during the pandemic, this initiative has since been revived at the Super RHU. We also passed an ordinance allocating funds for early childhood care and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AGFI to formalize our continued partnership. AGFI was instrumental in establishing the Samal Municipal Library as well.
Adarna House has truly made a profound difference in our community. You need to see the sparkle in a child's eyes when they hold a board book to understand. In Samal, many of our children proudly say they are "LAKING ADARNA."
With heartfelt appreciation and deepest gratitude, thank you for your steadfast support in nurturing literacy and learning among Filipino children, especially in a time when our nation faces significant challenges in functional literacy. Adarna House has long been a beacon of hope and inspiration for Filipino educators, readers, parents, and most especially, children. Your unwavering commitment to nurturing literacy and fostering a love for reading during the formative years of our youth is truly admirable.
May the Lord continue to bless your noble and creative efforts in advancing children's literacy. Mabuhay po kayo!
Para sa Bawat Batang Filipino.
With a grateful heart,
CRISTINA S. ESPINO, M.D.
Board of Trustees, AGFI Samal Bataan
The story of Adarna House continues in upcoming essays. Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch the next release.