Highlighting the significance of reading and the magnitude of the positive things it entails, the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) in coordination with the school’s Main Library, conducted a seminar-workshop on storytelling on November 29, 2008 at the UNEP Mini Theatre. This is also in consonance with the 75th National Book Week Celebration being simultaneously held all over the country.

        Dubbed as “Storytelling for the Growth and Healing,” the activity was attended by twenty-one regional delegates, mostly librarians and teachers, from Camarines Sur, Albay and from the island province of Masbate. UNEP Education students, numbering to a hundred, comprised the biggest group of attendees, including the university’s professors and teaching staff.

        With her expertise in storytelling, Ms. Zarah Grace C. Gagatiga was invited as the seminar’s guest speaker. Gagatiga discussed storytelling as a therapeutic treatment, helping kids in attaining enjoyment and wellness while engaging and immersing them in the story. Gagatiga is Xavier School’s LRC Coordinator and a graduate of Philippine Normal University and concurrently pursuing her Master’s Degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

        According to research, storytelling among children helps in improving their language skills, particularly their vocabulary and comprehension. It also helps young readers to build their own story structure and develop their sense of recall. This activity also enhances their writing skills and will eventually aid them in becoming good writers in the future.

        Mrs. Delicia R. Alfelor-Tibi , UNEP Vice President For Finance was elated over the result of the activity. “I always believe that storytelling stimulates imagination and is the best intellectual nourishment of the mind. It promotes literacy and helps in developing our children’s love for books.”

        Ms. Tibi further quipped that there should be another round of this event next year.

        Also on top of the successful event was UNEP’s librarian. Ms. Hermie H. Salazar. With her equally competent staff, the activity became an effective venue for the promotion of literacy, enjoining other mentors from all over the region in embracing the love for books and library use.