On May 6, 2024, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI), through its Library Department, Gunita: A Book Lovers Club, the HCCCI Supreme Student Government (SSG), and Book Nook–HCCCI–Surallah, successfully conducted a heartwarming literacy outreach program at DepEd Tayo Lambontong Elementary School, benefiting children aged 6 to 12 years old. The initiative, dubbed Hibla Lokal Project – TuTuldok: Leaving a Mark One Community at a Time, sought to inspire young learners to dream, imagine, and create through the transformative power of storytelling, writing, and the arts.

The outreach program was a celebration of learning and creativity, grounded in the belief that literacy and imagination are essential tools for empowerment and social transformation. Guided by the spirit of community engagement, HCCCI students and faculty volunteers worked hand in hand to bring stories to life—sharing tales that reflect Filipino values, resilience, and hope. Interactive reading sessions, writing exercises, and art activities were conducted to strengthen the children’s love for learning and to encourage self-expression.

Empowered and supported by the National Book Development Board – Philippines (NBDB), the shared vision of HCCCI and Book Nook–Surallah is to nurture a culture of reading, creativity, and cultural pride among the youth of Lambontong. The program made use of NBDB-donated and locally curated books, ensuring that the children were exposed to diverse literary voices and Filipino-authored works that celebrate local identity and heritage.

What distinguishes Book Nook–Surallah’s approach to literacy is its community-centered and culturally grounded storytelling. Every activity was designed not only to improve reading comprehension but also to promote appreciation for Filipino traditions and community narratives. Through the generosity of Book Nook–Surallah, the children gained access to free and engaging learning materials, arts supplies, and storybooks—transforming the school into a space of joy, curiosity, and discovery.

The event also underscored the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations in making education accessible and meaningful. By extending its learning mission beyond the campus, HCCCI demonstrated that education is not confined within classrooms—it thrives wherever curiosity and compassion meet.

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education, this initiative reflects HCCCI’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for all. It also advances SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, by reaching children in underserved communities and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to enriching educational experiences.

Looking ahead, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. joins the NBDB in its vision to expand Book Nook sites across the Philippines, turning them into creative and literacy hubs that promote community engagement, heritage preservation, and the joy of reading. Through continuous partnership and shared advocacy, HCCCI remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities through knowledge, creativity, and compassion—leaving a mark, one story and one child at a time.