Inquirer Read-Along: Kids learn about environmental sustainability

MANILA, Philippines — Children learned about sustainable and responsible acts that could protect the environment and future generations during the virtual Inquirer Read-Along session held Saturday.

The storytelling session, which featured celebrity reader Arlene Muhlach and professional storyteller Rich Rodriguez, tackled stories about environmental sustainability in line with the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month in June.

The Read-Along session, aired live on Inquirer’s Facebook pages, was held in partnership with Globe.

The program kicked off with a video message from Apple Evangelista, head of Globe’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility, who introduced Camp Kalikasan, a website put up by Globe in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines to promote environmental education.

Rodriguez read “Ang Alamat ng Duhat,” written by Segundo D. Matias, Jr. and illustrated by Rovi Jesher R. Salegumba. It is a modern legend that tells the origin of the Java plum or “duhat” from the story of Duha’s devotion to her black-skinned tribe.

Muhlach read the book “The Crying Trees,” written by Mary Ann Ordinario-Floresta and illustrated by Yasmin S. Ong. The book is about a great grandfather tree that sacrificed its life to save the little trees in the forest.

“I hope you can impart reading to be a regular thing in the lives of children,” Muhlach said during the session, addressing the parents about the importance of reading.

The session was hosted by Inquirer Entertainment reporter JC Cruz and Inquirer Research Head Ana Roa.

Some 80 students, teachers, and guests from Antonio Regidor Elementary School, Renato Lopez Elementary School, San Miguel Elementary School, and Sabang Elementary School attended via Zoom.

Launched in 2007, the Inquirer Read-along is a corporate social responsibility project of the company that aims to promote the love of reading among children.

Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research