Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday marked National Reading Day by renewing her call to strengthen reading habits among Filipino youth, stressing that early literacy is crucial to nation-building.

“We think that reading should be pushed, especially at a time when the minds of the youth are still forming, because being able to read and understand are crucial skills needed for the rest of their lives,” Legarda said.

She emphasized that children aged 6 to 12 benefit the most from reading, noting that it supports cognitive development and enhances critical thinking.

“Being able to read also makes us more human; it adds a layer of emotion, depth, and empathy that can only be obtained by stimulating the mind,” she added.

National Reading Day 2025 carries the theme “Tulay ang Pagbasa sa Bukas na Puno ng Pag-asa” (Reading is the Bridge to a Future Full of Hope), which underscores reading as a tool to connect generations and strengthen social understanding.

Legarda said that improved literacy among Filipino learners would translate to better governance, economic progress, and long-term development.

“Being able to read and understand well is a critical skill needed for the future so we can have a generation of Filipinos that is discerning, knowledgeable, and responsible for the development of our beloved nation,” she said. “As a knowledgeable nation, our country can flourish to globally competitive levels and uplift many from poverty. This will also help shape policy that will lead the Philippines toward a flourishing and sustainable economy.”

Legarda has been a consistent author and supporter of key education policies, including the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, the Integrated History Act of 2016, and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.