Vice President Sara Duterte issued a message today in observance of the Month of Philippine Literature (Buwan ng Panitikang Pilipino), calling on Filipino families—especially mothers—to foster reading habits among children and explore literature in various languages spoken in the country.

In her statement, Duterte emphasized the role of literature in nation-building and civic awareness.

“Ang panitikan ay hindi lamang dekorasyon; ito ay imprastraktura ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon kung paano nananatiling tapat, matatag, at gising ang isang bansa,” she said.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, she noted that nearly 25 million Filipinos struggle with functional literacy, warning that the issue affects everyday lives and decision-making.

“Ngayon mismo, may isang inang hawak ang bote ng gamot na hindi niya lubos mabasa. May isang bente-anyos na pumipirma sa isang kontratang hindi niya maintindihan,” Duterte said.

She stressed that the solution begins at home, urging parents to read with their children and to embrace local languages such as Filipino, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Cebuano.

“Ang solusyon ay nagsisimula sa ating mga tahanan. Ngayong buwan ng panitikang Filipino, hinihimok ko ang bawat magulang: Magbasa kayo kasama ang inyong mga anak. Magbasa sa Filipino, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bisaya —sa kahit anong wika na ginagamit ninyo sa inyong tahanan at komunidad,” she said.

Duterte also encouraged families to visit public libraries in their cities, municipalities, or barangays, saying access to reading materials is key to improving comprehension and critical thinking.

“Hindi tayo makabubuo ng isang bansang mapanuri kung marami pa rin sa atin ang hirap umunawa sa binabasa. Ang bawat librong binubuksan ay hakbang tungo sa isang mas matalinong mamamayan,” she added.

Concluding her message, Duterte called for unity and appreciation of learning, saying Filipinos should ensure that everyone understands the words that shape their lives.