Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista is part of the publishing house’s broader literacy efforts while encouraging children to find joy in reading

[PRESS PHOTOS HERE]

Lampara Books continues the tradition of promoting reading literacy through Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, a nationwide search for creative young storytellers. The Grand Finals concluded last September 12, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, where the top three finalists competed for the top plum in two separate categories.

Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, is part of Lampara Books’ broader advocacy to improve children’s relationship with reading. The initiative complements the literacy priorities identified by the Department of Education’s ARAL Program, which provides systematic intervention for learners requiring additional support in academic competencies, particularly reading.

Lampara Books has also championed its literacy programs, including Magbasa Tayo! (Marungko Approach) and Let’s Read! (Systematic Phonics). These initiatives form a continuum in Lampara Books’ varied reading advocacies, helping children develop a lasting appreciation for books and literature.

The winners of the Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, were announced during a key segment at this year’s Manila International Book Fair.

Category A (Grade 1-3):

1st Place: Catriona Xia C. Gacutan

2nd Place: Zander Skye H. Saplagio

3rd Place: Ameera Estelle E. Incognito

Category B (Grade 4-6):

1st Place: Czarina Sophia L. Hinanay

2nd Place: Ma. Daniela C. Mejos

3rd Place: Alamela G. Cacho

The finalists were evaluated by a panel composed of multidisciplinary artist and children’s rights advocate Pepot Atienza; storyteller, puppeteer, and professor Melanie Ramirez; UP Diliman creative writing and literature professor Eugene Evasco; UP Diliman Professor of Reading Education and children’s author Portia Padilla; and senior member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association, Csairus John Habla.

Inclusivity and representation

This year’s competition garnered 416 participants from 139 schools nationwide. 45 percent of the participants are from cities and provinces outside the National Capital Region (NCR). By allowing online submissions, Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 enabled children from far-flung communities and metropolitan areas to participate without the logistical challenges of traveling to the capital.

According to Segundo Matias Jr., the co-founder and president of Lampara Publishing House, Inc. (Lampara Books), the participants for this year’s edition stood out for their unique but spontaneous take on the craft. Instead of delivering obviously rehearsed interpretations, many of them approached the material with creativity and spontaneity despite their young age.

“Hindi maikakailang malikhain ang mga bata,” Matias admits, describing the participants’ performances this year as natural and highly creative. He noted that this quality gave the presentations a refreshing rawness, with the children interpreting the material with their own creative flavor.

A national concern

Reading advocacy remains a national concern that needs to be prioritized. Matias emphasized the need to cultivate a new generation of kids who see reading as meaningful, enjoyable, and worth returning to. 

As children become increasingly reliant on advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista offers an alternative and sustainable pathway to promote the importance of reading in the modern age. The challenge is not to resist these changes but to ensure that technological progress does not come at the expense of children’s connection to reading. “Ang Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista ay isang inisyatibo para lalo pang matutong magbasa ang mga bata. Hindi tayo dapat magpabaya. Gusto ihatid ng Lampara Books na mas masaya ang pagbabasa, kaya ginawa itong pagtatanghal para lalo pang mapalaganap ang pagbabasa.”

From left to right: Louie De Real, Executive Director; Melissa Aquino, Trustee; Ricardo Llego, Communications and Resource Mobilization Officer of Security Bank Foundation during the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards ceremony.

Makati City, Philippines, —  Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) received two honors at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards on August 27, 2026, at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque City, recognizing the impact of its programs and strategic communications in advancing education and community development.

Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan received a Quill Award of Excellence, while SBF-Eyes (Security Better Future through Eyes) earned a Quill Award of Merit.

Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan was recognized for its collaborative approach to addressing the country’s classroom shortage. The program brings together Security Bank clients, employees, local government units, non-government organizations, partner institutions, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources for classroom construction.

Meanwhile, SBF-Eyes was recognized for improving access to vision care among public school students. Through its partnership with Ideal Vision Center, the program provides free vision screening and prescription eyeglasses to students in need, helping improve their learning experience and academic performance.

“These recognitions reflect the power of purpose, partnership, and collective action,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. “We share these awards with our employees, partners, and beneficiaries whose support and commitment continue to create meaningful change in communities across the country.”

Organized annually by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is among the country’s most respected programs recognizing excellence in business communication. Entries are evaluated against global IABC standards for strategic planning, execution, and measurable results.

For SBFI, the awards underscore the role of strategic communication in advancing its mission. By engaging stakeholders, mobilizing support, and sharing stories of impact, the Foundation continues to strengthen partnerships that help create better opportunities for Filipino learners and communities.

Learn more by visiting securitybank.com/foundation

Manila Water continues to ensure reliable and uninterrupted water services across its East Zone concession area through proactive measures designed to strengthen operational resilience during the Habagat season.

While the country is experiencing the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which may result in fewer rainfall events, periods of intense rainfall remain possible and can pose operational challenges brought about by flooding, power interruptions, and severe weather conditions. Anticipating these risks, Manila Water has put in place a comprehensive preparedness program to help safeguard its facilities, personnel, and essential services.

As part of its rainy season readiness initiatives, Manila Water has completed preparedness activities at its three major water treatment facilities in Quezon City, namely Balara Treatment Plant 1, Balara Treatment Plant 2, and East La Mesa Treatment Plant. Each facility is equipped with backup generators to support continuous operations during power outages and other weather-related disruptions.

The East Zone concessionaire has likewise completed inspections and readiness checks of its 33 water reservoirs. Flood mitigation measures, including the placement of sandbags and dewatering pumps, have been implemented in key facilities to address potential flooding incidents.

Personnel across Manila Water's critical facilities also adhere to established emergency preparedness protocols, ensuring the availability of system backups, fuel reserves, batteries, medical and first-aid kits, food provisions, and other essential emergency supplies needed to sustain operations during severe weather events.

To further enhance disaster response capabilities, Manila Water has strategically positioned emergency assets and equipment across its concession area to support rapid deployment when needed.

The Company's emergency fleet includes six mobile treatment plants, a mobile command center, a mobile stage, a mobile toilet, a mobile sleeping quarter, an amphibious vehicle, a tractor head, six 4x4 rescue vehicles, an ambulance, an all-terrain vehicle, a jet ski, three speed boats, 38 water tankers, and two folding boats. These assets provide additional operational support and enable immediate response to communities and employees affected by emergencies and extreme weather conditions.

Manila Water also has 64 desludging trucks that may be utilized to siphon floodwater in support of local government units' disaster response and recovery efforts.

"As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, Manila Water has been maintaining resilient operations and ensuring uninterrupted service for our customers, even during the most challenging conditions," said Manila Water Corporate Communications Head Dittie Galang.

Through careful planning, proactive infrastructure protection, and sustained operational preparedness, Manila Water remains ready to address the challenges of the Habagat season while continuing to deliver essential water services to the communities it serves.

AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center has partnered with Pru Life UK, one of the Philippines’ leading life insurers, to offer eligible Pru Life UK customers, agents, employees and their select family members exclusive discounts on AHEAD’s college entrance test review programmes, tutorial services, and supplementary classes. 

Education is one of the most meaningful investments a family can make. While financial planning helps protect a child’s future, quality education empowers them to shape it. By bringing the two together, AHEAD and Pru Life UK aim to make quality educational support more accessible to Filipino families. 

For more than 30 years, AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center has helped over 250,000 students prepare for college entrance examinations and achieve academic success through its comprehensive review and tutorial programmes. Recognised as one of the Philippines’ leading review centres, AHEAD offers specialised UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) review, Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) review, De La Salle College Admission Test (DCAT) review, and UST Entrance Test (USTET) review programs, alongside personalised tutorials for students from kindergarten to college. 

“This partnership reflects our belief that investing in education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children,” said Rossana Llenado, Founder and President of AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center. “By working with Pru Life UK, we hope to make our programmes more accessible to families who are actively planning for their children’s future. Together, we are supporting not just academic success, but lifelong opportunities.”

Pru Life UK is one of the leading life insurers in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 33,000 licensed agents. 

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that help make its customers’ promises to their loved ones real, by showing them that they can count on PRU to address their unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

“At Pru Life UK, we believe protection is about helping families prepare for life’s important milestones. This partnership with AHEAD allows us to extend meaningful value to our customers, agents, employees and their families by giving them access to educational support as they plan for the future,” said Kathryn Cajucom, Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications.

How to avail of the exclusive offer?

Active Pru Life UK customers, including both policyowners and life insureds, agents, customers, and their select family members namely spouses, children and siblings, can enjoy the exclusive offer. To access the benefit, eligible individuals should complete the online enrolment form in the AHEAD benefit section of the Pru Life UK Rewards & Promo webpage. Additional information on eligibility requirements, FAQs, and terms and conditions can also be found on the webpage.

As students prepare for increasingly competitive entrance examinations, access to quality academic support has become more important than ever. Through this partnership, AHEAD and Pru Life UK reaffirm their shared commitment to helping families prepare for every stage of their children’s future, from financial security to educational achievement.

As AHEAD and Pru Life UK forge this strategic partnership, both organisations remain committed to supporting Filipino families in preparing for their future, whether through financial security, educational excellence, or the opportunities that come from both.

Because every great future begins with thoughtful preparation.

Think AHEAD.

Manila Water continues to expand its water distribution network to bring 24/7 water service to more customers across the East Zone of Metro Manila and Rizal. As of July, the company's network spans 5,738.06 kilometers of pipelines, supporting the delivery of safe and reliable water to millions of customers in its service area.

Serving more than 7.9 million customers and growing, Manila Water continues to invest in expanding and upgrading its water distribution network to meet increasing demand and improve service reliability. These ongoing infrastructure investments help ensure that safe and reliable water reaches households, businesses, and communities throughout the East Zone while supporting future growth. 

Maintaining this extensive network requires a sustained focus on leak prevention and the reduction of illegal connections to ensure that more water reaches customers. As of July, Manila Water's year-to-date non-revenue water level stood at 14.24%, among the lowest in Asia.

"As part of our service improvement and water security programs, we at Manila Water continuously implement long-term initiatives designed to reach more customers while ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 water service for our growing customer base," said Manila Water Corporate Communications Group Head Dittie Galang.

The company's network expansion is supported by its long-term strategy to develop additional raw water sources and reduce dependence on Angat Dam. Over the years, Manila Water has diversified its water supply portfolio through facilities such as the 100-million-liter-per-day (MLD) Cardona Water Treatment Plant and the 50 MLD East Bay Phase 1 Water Treatment Plant, both of which draw water from Laguna Lake. Also under development is the East Bay Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to supply up to 200 MLD.

Further strengthening water security is the Wawa-Calawis Water Supply System in Antipolo City, which sources raw water from the 710 MLD Upper Wawa Dam. The system is supported by downstream facilities, including the 80 MLD Calawis Water Treatment Plant and the upcoming 220 MLD Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant.