MANILA, Philippines -- The Children’s International Foundation donated recently $24,000 (P1.03 million) worth of books to reading centers to help supplement learning among public school students.

The assortment of books on the English language, mathematics, sciences and general reference was received by the city government of San Fernando in Pampanga.

A resolution authorizing the city government to receive the donation from the international non-government organization was authored by Councilor Jimmy Lazatin, also concurrent chairman of the Education Committee.

San Fernando City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said the collection of books will enrich the treasure of learning materials at reading centers in the city’s public schools and thanked all those responsible for making the donation possible.

“Their reading skills must be enhanced since books are additional sources of knowledge and information,” said Rodriguez.

“Even when I was in Congress, I kept on filing bills calling for the creation of libraries in towns. I hope now that books are being sourced from partners, there would be better libraries and reading corners in schools. Books like these should not just be kept in cabinets or shelves. They should serve as avenues for learning of students, especially the less fortunate,” he said.

The mayor is now eyeing the re-establishment of a city library, which will be housed at the new City College being constructed at Heroes Park.

Currently, the city government is involved in the implementation of the Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) “Balik Eskuwela” program of repairing and cleaning up public elementary and high schools in preparation for the opening of classes on June 6.