In a quiet corner of Lipa, Batangas, children are discovering worlds beyond their imaginations — one page at a time. Their guide? Maite Leyeza-Tarrayo, a Filipina advocate whose passion for literacy has transformed hundreds of young lives through her innovative 60-Day Reading Challenge.

It all started during a milestone moment in 2021, when Maite and her father were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their family’s company, Commerxy. Instead of the usual corporate festivities, they asked a bigger question: How can we create something that truly matters?

Rooted in community need

The answer lay in the hometown of the founders — Lipa City — where schools like Malitlit and Anangie Elementary were in need of support. Maite’s vision went beyond charity; she wanted to create a program that empowered children, giving them the tools and confidence to read, learn and thrive.

The result was the 60-Day Reading Challenge, a program designed not only to teach children to read but to help them fall in love with reading. With guidance from the Corazon Sanchez Atayden Memorial Foundation, Maite developed a curriculum that is as practical as it is inspiring. Students borrow books with library cards, answer comprehension questions, and gradually build the habit of reading consistently over two months.

“Reading opens up a universe of possibilities,” Maite says. “It’s not just about finishing books — it’s about developing imagination, critical thinking, and the confidence to explore. Our hope is that children continue to read long after the challenge ends.”

The program adapts to the needs of each school. When principals or teachers change, Maite consults with the new staff to understand challenges and design activities that best serve the students. Early sessions focus on basic reading skills like sight words, while later iterations emphasize storytelling, comprehension, and independent exploration.

The most magical moments occur during the program’s kickoff and culmination. Children selected by their schools gather to meet their mentors, receive carefully curated books, and dive into stories that spark curiosity. By the end of the 60 days, students who complete the challenge are celebrated with medals and awards. “Seeing their faces light up when they share a story or receive recognition—it’s priceless,” Maite reflects.

Leading by example

The journey hasn’t always been smooth. When the program began during the pandemic, students were confined to home learning, making access to books and resources a challenge.

Maite and her team set up learning hubs in volunteer parents’ homes, donating computers, mobile devices and books so children could continue learning safely. Today, as schools have reopened, the program thrives in its intended environment, allowing students to collaborate and engage fully.

Since its inception, the initiative has reached over 240 students, with 30 participants currently enrolled in each school. But for Maite, success isn’t measured by numbers — it’s seen in the joy of a child who picks up a book simply for the pleasure of reading. “True success is when children read independently, borrow books on their own, and make reading a habit, not an assignment.”

A story that continues, one page at a time

Maite’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. She leads by example, inviting employees and volunteers to participate in community activities. “Volunteering is deeply rewarding. It takes time, yes, but the impact is immeasurable. Sharing your blessings and resources creates opportunities for others to thrive,” she explains.

Looking ahead to 2026, Maite has ambitious plans. The next cycle of the 60-Day Reading Challenge will coincide with Commerxy’s 30th anniversary, a milestone she hopes to mark with expanded library resources and continued support for young readers. Her vision is clear: to nurture a generation of children who dream bigger, read more and embrace learning as a lifelong adventure.

Habit, imagination and love

Asked to sum up her program in three words, Maite chooses: “Habit. Imagination. Love.” These words capture the essence of her approach —instilling habits that stick, nurturing creative minds and fostering a love of reading that can change a child’s life.

Maite Leyeza-Tarrayo’s story is a testament to the ripple effect of compassion and dedication. Through the 60-Day Reading Challenge, she demonstrates that transforming a community doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, all it takes is one person, a stack of books, and a belief in the power of stories to inspire young hearts and minds.

In Maite’s hands, reading is more than a skill — it is a doorway to imagination, a bridge to opportunity and a path to a brighter future. And in every child who turns a page, her vision comes alive, one story at a time.