A different kind of woods: Ifugao rice terraces are an ancient and a familiar sight in Mayoyao, Ifugao. (Photo courtesy of Ermie Bahatan)
What is Woods and Books doing in Ifugao? Well, for now, nothing. In the future, who knows?
Last month, we received a welcome inquiry from Ms. Ermie Bahatan, all the way from Ifugao province in the Cordillera Administrative Region of northern Luzon. It’s a long way from Iloilo City, Panay Island to Ifugao, but like all regions throughout the Philippines, we face similar challenges when it comes to providing children with appropriate and adequate books to read.
Look, dinosaurs! Students at Northern Cababuyan Elementary School take a closer look at the giant reptiles that once ruled the earth. (Photo courtesy of ETYTR)
Ermie represents Empowering the Young to Read (ETYTR), which she describes as a “personal cause that facilitates requests from interested elementary schools in the province of Ifugao in finding donor organizations or individuals to donate new and second-hand books.”
Turnover ceremony: An ETYTR representative presents donated school supplies to community elders and leaders for Ubuag Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of ETYTR)
“How about expanding your coverage to Luzon, especially my home province of Ifugao?” Ermie asked. “This will help the schools, especially the ones with the lowest academic performance on the National Achievement Test (NAT) for Grade 3.”
Ermie’s Reading Circle: Ermie Bahatan with young readers of the Hope Bible School Reading Center, Lagawe, Ifugao. Asia Foundation donated the books. (Photo Courtesy of ETYTR)
Much as we wanted to help, Woods and Books had to turn down her request since, for now, we don’t have the resources to meet all the needs in Iloilo, our primary region of service. You can reach Ermie Bahatan at ETYTR’s Facebook page.
Can I have this pair? A student chooses new flip-flops for school wear. Aside from books, ETYTR donors also give school supplies, backpacks, shirts, and footwear to Ifugao children.
“I hope that with your help, more books will come, through other generous donors,” writes Ermie. “I thank God for directing me to your site. Again, my heartfelt thanks and keep in touch. God bless you and your advocacy!”
We at Woods and Books echo her sentiment, and wish Ermie and her volunteers at ETYTR more books to come!
His own book in his own nook. A student from Patilong Elementary School closely examines his gift. (Photo courtesy of ETYTR)
