BACOLOD City – The city government is set to establish Barangay Reading Corners in all 61 barangays following the approval on first reading of a proposed ordinance during last week’s Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) session.
Councilor Celia Flor, author of the proposed measure titled Barangay Reading Corner Ordinance, said the initiative seeks to recognize the intent of Republic Act No. 7743 and the significant benefits that access to reading materials can bring to constituents.
Flor emphasized the importance of promoting literacy and lifelong learning at the grassroots level, aiming to develop intellectual capabilities, foster a culture of reading, and combat illiteracy in the community.
Under the proposed ordinance, all barangays in the city—except those with existing libraries or reading centers—will be required to establish a Barangay Reading Corner within 12 months from the effectivity of the ordinance, once it passes the third and final reading.
The measure also cites Republic Act No. 7160, which encourages the establishment of reading centers at the barangay level, with funding sourced from the annual budget appropriation.
According to the ordinance, the Barangay Reading Corners will be jointly operated by the concerned barangay and the Bacolod City Public Library. These centers are envisioned to:
- Provide access to a wide range of reading materials, including those prescribed by the Department of Education and national newspapers of general circulation;
- Serve as venues for audiovisual presentations, exhibitions, and other activities aimed at improving literacy and disseminating information of public interest; and
- Offer other related services in line with the provisions of R.A. No. 7743.
The ordinance reflects the city government’s commitment to empowering communities through education and accessible learning spaces.
