09/10/2025
๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ก ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ค๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ
Book Nook Surallah successfully held the second session of the Hibla Lokal 2025 Cultural Learning Activity on September 27, 2025, at the HCCCI College Library. The event was supported by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) through its nationwide Book Nook Programโa grant initiative that continues to empower children by expanding their access to meaningful cultural and literacy experiences.
In partnership with Surallah Central Elementary School (SCES), the activity welcomed Grade 6 students from the advisory class of Maโam Cherry Susbilla, with the support of Principal Richard S. Celo, who ensured the active participation of his pupils. The program showcased the deep connection between literature, culture, and child development while emphasizing the role of schools, libraries, and communities in creating a more inclusive learning environment.
The program opened with a warm orientation led by the Book Nook Surallah personnel, who introduced participants to the Book Nook resources. Mariel C. Dalipe, LPT, from the HCCCI Basic Education Department, served as the program host, maintaining the flow of activities in an engaging and lively manner. Arnelyn B. Antonio facilitated the storytelling session, which featured selections from the Book Nook collection that reflected the everyday realities, traditions, and aspirations of Filipino children.
The featured book for this session was War Makes Me Sad by Mary Ann Ordinario-Floresta, illustrated by Biboy Blu, and published by ABC Educational Development Center in 2018. This bilingual (EnglishโFilipino) picture book is told through the eyes of a young child living amid the conflict between Muslim and Christian communities in Mindanao. Its innocent yet poignant narration captures fear, loss, and disruption, while conveying a strong yearning for peace, understanding, and compassion.
The storytelling was followed by the Peace Art Shop Workshop: Gunita ng Kapayapaan, where students expressed their thoughts and aspirations for peace through poster-making. Using bond paper, crayons, and markers, they created drawings and symbols of harmony, unity, and hope, later sharing the meaning of their artwork with the group. The posters were displayed on a symbolic โWall of Peaceโ, serving as a reminder of their collective commitment to peace.
Supplementary books such as Ang Batang Ayaw sa Gulo by Segundo Matias Jr. reinforced the sessionโs themes of unity and conflict resolution.
Throughout the program, the support of volunteers from HCCCI Gunita: A Book Lovers Club was invaluable. Major officers Mark Angelo B. Dizon, Joylyn M. Nuรฑez, and Maria Fernanda C. Toledo assisted in organizing activities and guiding participants, while Claris P. Anating, Head of the House of Silang, and Ronniel S. Casiro, Head of the House of Luna, ensured the smooth implementation of the art workshop. To guarantee the safety and well-being of the students, Rose Anne Marsha G., Mission HCCCI Assistant Nurse, was present to monitor their health and provide support when needed.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hibla Lokal 2025 addressed multiple global targets. By promoting literacy and cultural understanding, it advanced SDG 4: Quality Education (Target 4.7). Lessons on proper food handling and maintaining a safe environment supported SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being (Target 3.4). The integration of heritage and storytelling upheld SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.4), while the participatory format that encouraged childrenโs reflections exemplified SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Target 16.7). Furthermore, by providing free and equal access to SCES learners regardless of background, the activity embodied SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (Target 10.2).
The session concluded with quiet reading time, closing reminders, and words of gratitude from the facilitators. The children left with new stories, artwork, and reflections that connected literacy with peace and empathy.
This second session of Hibla Lokal 2025 not only nurtured a genuine love for reading but also fostered critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. By weaving storytelling, art, and cultural awareness into a unified learning experience, the program inspired children to become champions of peace and identity in their own communities. The โWall of Peaceโ now stands as a testament to their shared voicesโa powerful reminder that through books, art, and collective imagination, we can build a kinder and more united society.
