Sara Duterte urges using literature as tool for peace

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte recognized the power of literature to promote unity and understanding.

During Literature Month, Duterte praised the Philippines’ colorful stories in poems and books.

“Sa temang ‘Ang Panitikan at Kapayapaan’, ipinapahayag natin ang kapangyarihan ng mga salita upang ayusin ang mga pagkakahati, isulong ang pagkakaunawaan, at lumikha ng hinaharap na hinabi ng mga kwento ng pagkakaisa,” Duterte said in a statement posted by the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino on Thursday.

(In the theme “Literature and Peace,” we express the power of words to mend differences, advance understanding, and create a future woven by stories of unity.)

READ: April is National Literature Month

She also said that the Department of Education will launch different activities for National Literature Month, such as lectures and storytelling activities, to spark the interest of youth in literature.

“Magbasa tayo ng tula, maglunsad ng libro, at manguna sa mga talakayang pampanitikan. Saksihan ang kinang ng mga Pilipinong manunulat habang ang mga teatro ay isinasabuhay ang ating mga makabuluhang kwento sa entablado,” she added.

(Let us read poetry, launch books, and lead literary discussions. Let us witness the luster of Filipino writers while the theaters exhibit our relevant stories on stage.)

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She then expressed hope that Filipinos would use literature as a tool for peace, unity, and understanding.

“Hayaan natin magbigay inspirasyon sa atin ang mga salita sa pahina, upang bawa’t isa sa atin ay maging ahente ng kapayapaan. Nawa’y pagyamanin natin ang pagkakaisa at pagkakaunawaan sa ating mga komunidad,” she added.

(Let words on the pages inspire us to become agents of peace. Let us enrich unity and understanding in our community.)

In 2015, then President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino issued a declaration making April of every year the National Literature Month.