Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1457

HOUSE BILLNO.___*

INTRODUCED BY: REP. JORGE “BOLET” BANAL, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., born on 27 November 1932, is a
modern day hero who exhibited idealism and patriotism. He declared that the
Filipino is worth dying for, and his indomitable spirit inspired our people in the
fight for democracy.

Ninoy Aquino was an accomplished journalist, having been a staff member of the
Philippine Collegian and the youngest war correspondent covering the Korean
war for The Manila Times. An avid reader, he showed penchant for reading
starting from his early years in school and even through his incarceration and
exile. In his letter to former Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo in 1973, he quoted
Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, Jose Rizal's El Filibusterismo, and St. Paul's
Letter to the Corinthians, marveling at how a “little book .. had a profound
impact on Rizal” and revealing that “Father Florentino’s immortal words were to
sustain (Ninoy) through those dark nights of (his) soul in Laur.”" Ninoy believed,
as did most of our heroes and public figures, that reading is an indisputable
source of empowerment, widening one’s knowledge, imagination, and
compassion and allowing one to dream big even while recognizing certain
inherent weaknesses.

It is therefore fitting to commemorate the birth anniversary of Ninoy Aquino by
declaring November 27 of every year as “ARAW NG PAGBASA.” ARAW NG
PAGBASA aims to promote reading and literacy, motivate our people to learn
from the lives and works of eminent Filipinos, uphold our own heritage and
values, and generate awareness about other cultures and philosophies. It also
seeks to make reading a shared physical experience, thereby increasing its
relevance amidst the proliferation of online activities specifically among the
youth,

‘As an annual reading and awareness program, ARAW NG PAGBASA is also
aligned with the objectives of the Philippine Book Development Month, which is
celebrated on the month of November of each year pursuant to Proclamation
No. 1436 (2008). Educational activities throughout the country can be integrated
to learn from Ninoy Aquino and other illustrious Filipinos in our daily struggle to
develop as a nation.

" nep:ffinoyaquino SOwebs.com.


ARAW NG PAGSASA aspires to be a simple yet meaningful reminder and
declaration of hope for our people.

Thus, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

QLET” B. BANAL, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

nouse sino, £457

INTRODUCED BY: REP. JORGE “BOLET” BANAL, JR.

AN ACT DECLARING EVERY 27TH DAY OF NOVEMBER AS “ARAW
NG PAGBASA,” A REGULAR WORKING HOLIDAY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

\n 1, Title. ~ This Act shall be known as “The Araw ng Pagbasa Act of 2010.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~The State recognizes and supports endeavors that
promote reading and literacy, motivate awareness, and uphold our Filipino
heritage and culture, including educational activities focusing on the life of
former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., whose role in our countrys history
was influenced by great writings of different individuals.

The State likewise recognizes the importance of promoting reading as a shared
activity among the youth, families, educators, and the private sector, thereby
emphasizing personal interaction and facilitating the exchange of ideas
throughout the country.

Sec. 3. National Holiday. - November 27 of every year is hereby declared as
“Araw ng Paghasa,” which shall be a regular working holiday, to be celebrated in
all public elementary and secondary schools in the country.

Sec. 4. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Education, in consultation
with the National Book Development Board and other government agencies and
units concerned, shall plan and implement the activities for the observance of
“Araw ng Paghasa.”

Sec. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) upon its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,