Alden Richards pushes for literacy

In 2002, after a report on children’s reading comprehension was released, RMHC and the Department of Education started a program called Read to Learn which aims to improve the reading skills of kids in Grade 1 and 2.

PAMBANSANG Bae’s storytelling session in the Mcdo NXTGen branch in Taguig.

One thing McDonalds and Alden Richards have in common is the commitment to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children.

Founded in 1995, the Ronald McDonalds House Charities (RMHC) Philippines is part of a global organization present in 64 countries all over the world and acts as the brand’s tool in providing shelter, education and happiness with social and fund-raising initiatives that has reached 13 million Filipino children in need.

Prior to being a McDonalds’ endorser, from one role to another, Alden has long been doing campaigns with the brand. “(I started as) a guest artist to a host last assistant manager’s convention,” he shared, and now, the Pambansang Bae has joined forces with the RMHC as an ambassador last 7 November in Taguig. “It’s an honor to be a part of this family,” he said.

“I’ve seen what they’ve done and what they continue to do to help children all over the country,” the Kapuso star said. He wants to raise awareness for the cause that RMHC is implementing to help more kids in need. “Excited na ako to encourage more people to help RMHC so we can support more kids.”

In 2002, after a report on children’s reading comprehension was released, RMHC and the Department of Education started a program called Read to Learn which aims to improve the reading skills of kids in Grade 1 and 2.

THE Kapuso star enjoys being with kids in general.

Besides this program, RMHC also has the Bahay Bulilit Learning Center and Bigay Tulong program.

“A study shows daw na ‘pag yung kids guma-graduate ng first grade and hindi pa marunong magbasa, that’s the start of the deterioration of interest ng mga bata to finish schooling (A study shows that when kids finish first grade and haven’t learned how to read yet, that’s the start of the deterioration of their interest to finish schooling),” Alden said. “So, maganda na even before pre-school palang matuto na sila magbasa in that level (So, it would be good if kids learned reading at that level before pre-school),” he added.

“Pagpasok pa lang nila ng grade school, meron na agad silang skills on basic reading. Kasi medyo important ‘yun eh. Yung literacy natin sa reading here in the Philippines medyo mababa pagdating sa mga bata (So that when these kids enter grade school, they know basic reading already. It’s really important. The reading literacy among children here in the Philippines is low),” he shared.

At the press conference, Alden did a live storytelling to the kids of RMHC. “I’ve been doing this for quite some time na. Nag-storytelling na ako sa mga gatherings before but this is a first time with McDonalds.”

“I always enjoy being with kids, mahilig ako sa bata.” he added.

KIDS of Bahay Bulilit in Quirino, Manila with Alden Richards.

The Read to Learn program is funded through McDonalds’ much-awaited event Stripes Run. It is now going to be held at 1 December 2019 at the SM MoA Concert Grounds, that will also be joined by Alden and other celebrities.

Since its run in 2010, over 35,000 runners have contributed to RMHC.

For more updates, follow McDonald’s Philippines at @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram and McDoPH on Facebook.

Learn more about RMHC and its programs at https://www.rmhc.org.ph/ and register for the Stripes Run 2019 at https://www.mcdostripesrun.com.ph/.