AGFI and LBCF Kick Off the Second Implementation of Step by Step

Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. (AGFI) and LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc. (LBCF) renewed their commitment as early literacy partners to bring smiles, create communities of readers, and develop Filipino children’s love for books.

The virtual MoA signing on May 22, 2023 was attended by LBCF Executive Director Nena Wuthrich, Project Officer Mel Macarubbo, Community Organizer Yen Sartorio, AGFI President Lyn Almario, Executive Director Con Estrella, Program Coordinator Pia Cervero, and Board Members Dr. Teng Espino, Fely Rixhon, Ria dela Cruz, and Van Estares. © AGFI

The foundations are set to launch the second implementation of Step by Step programs in 1 recurring and 3 new partner communities: Anao, Tarlac, Ramos Tarlac, San Manuel, Tarlac, and Samal, Bataan. With the aim to reach 1,000+ partner beneficiaries, they will capacitate health workers, pregnant women, and parents through the Unang Isang Libong Araw and Unang Aklat programs and support child development workers, parents, and daycare students through Handang Magbasa.

The teams of AGFI and LBCF presented Step by Step to Anao Mayor Gian De Dios, Ramos Mayor Celso Banag, and Samal Mayor Alexander Acuzar. © AGFI

To kick off the programs, AGFI and LBCF conducted community visits to three of the four areas. They met with the local chief executives and lead implementers, who expressed their overwhelming support.

After listening to Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum, LBC Express, Inc. volunteers helped students craft and color their own paper animals. © AGFI

AGFI and LBCF team members, together with LBC Express, Inc. volunteers, also conducted a storytelling session, facilitated story-based activities and group games, and distributed activity books to 38 students from Ibaba and San Juan child development centers in Samal.

AGFI is thrilled to be working again with a foundation equally dedicated to making every Filipino child a reader. Since 2021, AGFI and LBCF have advanced early literacy together across Luzon. Their first implementation of Step by Step enabled them to reach 11 partner communities, train 56 health workers and child development workers, support 2,023 parents and 1,236 children, and distribute 10,942 reading materials.