Bringing a World of Stories to Tingloy
For many Filipino children, learning does not end when the school bell rings. But without access to books, technology, and other learning resources outside the classroom, opportunities to strengthen essential literacy skills can be limited.
Recent results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) highlight the urgency of improving literacy in the Philippines. Only 15% of Filipino students reached the minimum proficiency level in reading, underscoring the need for stronger and more accessible literacy support.
In response to this challenge, Good Neighbors Philippines is bringing learning closer to children in Tingloy through the Good Library, an initiative that combines physical library spaces with digital learning opportunities.
The initiative will establish libraries in three elementary schools in Tingloy: Marikaban Elementary School, Gamaw Elementary School, and Sto. Tomas Elementary School, providing learning resources to a total of 342 students.
The first of the three libraries was officially launched on August 27, 2026, at Marikaban Elementary School. Through the program, students will participate in structured daily reading sessions designed to strengthen reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Digital learning platforms will complement the physical library, with educational tools such as Let’s Read (Marungko), ReadWorks, and Duolingo for Schools incorporated into the reading instruction program. The initiative will also introduce DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) sessions, encouraging children to pause, pick up a book, and simply enjoy reading.
The People Behind the Work, Our Good Neighbors
Behind every new learning space are people who work quietly to make sure that the project reaches the communities it is meant to serve.
During the launch at Marikaban Elementary School, the principals of Marikaban, Sto. Tomas, and Gamaw Elementary Schools expressed their appreciation for the team behind the initiative, particularly Social Development Staff member Almera Quesada, who helped lead the activity.
They recalled how Ms. Quesada continued to visit the schools and make sure their needs were addressed, even during heavy rains and difficult travel conditions.
Their words offered a heartfelt reminder that creating opportunities for children often requires dedication long before the doors of a new library are opened.
The three new libraries in Tingloy are more than physical spaces. They are places where children can discover new stories, build new skills, and develop the confidence to imagine possibilities beyond what they already know.