16 August 2021, Ottawa – As the Philippines commemorates Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa (National Language Month) this August, the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada brought back its ABAKADA Atbp. book program to share beloved Filipino stories with Canadian children of Filipino descent.

Children who are registered by their parents for the program will each receive a story book written in English and Filipino this month. The titles include Haluhalo Espesyal, Araw sa Palengke, Ang Alamat ng Palay, The Love of Lam-Ang, Ang Hukuman ni Sinukuan, and other popular children’s stories from the Philippines.

“Instilling a love of reading is an important legacy that we should share with our children,” noted Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo Robles. “I encourage the parents to share these stories with them so they may know more about their cultural roots and learn the Filipino language.”

The ABAKADA Atbp. book program was created in 2020 when the Philippine Embassy was unable to conduct its customary Children’s Summer Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The book program is being continued this year as limits to indoor gatherings remain in place.