FIFTE~NTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
'11 
FEB -8 P 4 :59 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2678 
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR TEOFISTO GUINGONA III 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill is known as the "Araw ng Pagbasa Act of 2011:' which aims to promote reading and literacy 
skills among students in all public and private elementary and secondary schools in the Philippines. It 
also seeks to encourage them to learn from the lives and ,emarkable works of eminent Filipinos, uphold 
national heritage and values and stimulate awareness about various cultures and philosophies. With 
reading, students are trained to become lifelong learners. 
Former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., who was oorn on 27 November 1932, was a celebrated 
reader and a lover of books. To honor him as an icon of democracy, "Araw ng Pagbasa" shall emphasize 
, 
that reading is a source of people empowerment and that it is a tool to expand one's knowledge and 
imagination. 
ARAW NG PAGBASA, as an annual reading and awareness program, is also in accordance with the 
Philippine Book Development Month every November which showcases the importance of books and 
reading to a person's development and well-being. The National Book Development Board, which is 
under the Department of Education, is spearheading this program pursuant to Proclamation 1436 
(2008). 
It is high time that the Philippine Congress give due importance to the value of reading in producing 
successful Filipinos. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate enactment ofthis measure is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE , 
S.B. No. 2678 
'11 
FEB -8 P 4 :59 
HECt~lVED 8Y:~ 
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR TEOFISTO GUINGONA 1/1 
AN ACT DECLARING EVERY 27TH DAY OF NOVEMBER AS 
"ARAW NG PAGBASA," A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatiyes of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Araw ng Pagbasa Act of 2011." 
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 country's 
history was influenced by great writings of different individuals. 
Sec. 3. National Holiday. - November 27 of every year is hereby declared as "Araw ng Pagbasa," which 
shall be a special working holiday, to be celebrated in all public and private elementary and secondary 
schools in the country. In the event that the holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday will be observed on 
the Friday of that week. 
Sec. 4. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Education, in consultation with the National Book 
• 
Development Board, other government agencies and uriits, and reading associations concerned, shall 
plan and implement the activities for the observance of "Araw ng Pagbasa," such as story-telling 
sessions and reading skills modules. In addition to Filipino and English, the use of regional languages in 
the celebration shall be encouraged. 
Sec. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its publication in two (2) newspapers 
of general circulation. 
Approved, 
'.