More than one year since the conflict in Marawi City ceased, the Maranaos are still trying to heal and rebuild their lives. In aid of this, Philippine telco PLDT Inc. recently turned over more than 4,000 books from the Marawi Storybooks Series to over 35 elementary schools in Marawi City.
Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Executive Director Reynaldo Antonio Laguda and PLDT Community Relations (ComRel) Division Head Katherine Diaz De Rivera, 2nd and 4th from left, respectively, turn over the books to Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Marawi City Schools Division Superintendent Pharida Sansarona and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent & DepEd ARMM Deputy Focal Person Ana Zenaida Unte-Alonto. Also in photo are some of the principals and students of around 38 elementary schools in Marawi City, who are recipients of the Marawi Storybooks Series.
The series, a collection of four children’s books narrating stories on love, healing, and resilience based on real-life experiences of Marawi siege survivors, is part of the Philippine Business for Social Progress’ (PBSP) children’s literacy campaign iRead4Peace.
“The Marawi Storybooks series, particularly the book Lost and Found: A Song of Marawi, is a depiction of our love for our brethren regardless of religion or race. The storybooks will serve as a link between Christian and Bangsamoro learners,” said Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Marawi City Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, DepEd ARMM Deputy Focal Person, and Marawi siege survivor Ana Zenaida Unte-Alonto. “The books are a reminder that what happened in Marawi will never be forgotten. Our generation of learners will know about the story of survival, friendship, resilience, love, and support for each other, Muslims and Christians alike.”
The story “Lost and Found: A Song of Marawi,” written by Randy M. Bustamante and illustrated by Tristan V. Yuvienco, was sponsored by PLDT as one of the pioneer and top donors of the PBSP’s Balik-Baterya progam.
“It is a humbling experience to see the strength and resilience of brave Maranaos, especially the children, who have been through a lot at such a young age. We believe that we should all work together to help protect their spirit, as they are the future generation who will restore the City to its former glory,” said PLDT Community Relations Division Head Katherine Diaz De Rivera. “Through the Marawi Storybooks Series, PLDT, together with our ever-reliable partner PBSP, is able to provide a platform where they can find a sense of healing, peace, and love.”
“We are grateful for the generous support of PLDT, PBSP, and Bookmark to our continued efforts in rebuilding our lives and our beautiful city after the horrors of the Marawi siege,” Unte-Alonto added.
Aside from the book donation initiative in Marawi, PLDT is also actively promoting the books to its employees, partners, and friends to amplify support and sales for the books. This project is part of the PBSP-Motolite Balik Baterya Program, which promotes proper disposal and recycling of used lead acid batteries. To date, PLDT remains to be the program’s biggest donor. The Marawi Storybook Series is available for purchase at Bookmark and at the PBSP office in Intramuros, and all proceeds will be donated for the benefit of the Maranao children. For more details, visit https://www.bookmarkthefilipinobookstore.com/marawi-storybooks.
