A community-based literacy initiative in San Nicolas continues to expand access to quality reading materials for public elementary school learners, supporting efforts to address learning gaps highlighted by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).

The Give Me A Book program provides participating public schools with leveled and culturally relevant Filipino reading materials aimed at improving reading proficiency and fostering a love for reading among children.

The initiative was introduced through the support of Ilocos Norte Second District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba in partnership with the Give Me A Book Foundation, which works with schools and education stakeholders to develop and distribute age-appropriate Filipino books for guided reading, classroom instruction, and independent learning.

The program complements national efforts to strengthen foundational literacy following EDCOM II's findings that many Filipino learners continue to face challenges in reading and numeracy. The commission has called for sustained interventions, including greater access to quality learning resources, enhanced teacher support, and community-driven literacy programs.

San Nicolas Mayor Ed Mar Vincent L. Bonoan said the municipal government remains committed to sustaining the initiative, emphasizing that improving literacy requires collaboration among government agencies, schools, parents, and the wider community.

"We are committed to continuing this initiative because investing in our children's ability to read is investing in the future of San Nicolas. We will continue working with our partners to ensure that more learners benefit from quality reading materials and meaningful literacy programs," Bonoan said.

He added that the partnership with the Give Me A Book Foundation strengthens the municipality's education programs by demonstrating how cooperation among the national and local governments, educators, and private organizations can help address learning gaps through sustained community-based interventions.

Barba likewise underscored the importance of literacy as a long-term investment in the country's future, saying every child should have access to quality books and opportunities to become confident readers.

Now in its second year, the program continues to promote early-grade reading by equipping learners with resources that support literacy development both inside and outside the classroom.

Local officials said the initiative reflects how sustained partnerships among government, civil society, and the private sector can help improve learning outcomes and nurture a new generation of readers in communities across Ilocos Norte.