Pasig City (11 October) -- Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus urged teachers to instill the love for reading among students in his message during the conduct of the Sa Aklat Sisikat Reading Program's training for teachers at the Division of Guimaras, Iloilo City recently.

The SAS reading program is an initiative of the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation, a non-profit professional Philippine organization supported by the Petron Foundation. The program focuses on the training of public school teachers to make them more effective in promoting the love for reading among schoolchildren.

"SAS is the only one of its kind that has been accredited by the Department," Secretary Lapus said.

The SAS program has benefited close to 700,000 students and trained some 1,217 teachers since its inception in 1999. It has served a total of 450 public elementary schools across the country.

Secretary Lapus expressed hope that the activity will enable the mentors to become better in developing the habit for reading among students through the innovative teaching techniques and strategies they are expected to learn during the training sessions. He also urged the teachers to make the most out of the workshop, keeping in mind that their efforts would be for the welfare of the children.

"Maximize this opportunity to learn so that you can go back to your respective schools equipped and empowered to instill the love for reading among young students, stirring their passion for learning and making it more exciting," Secretary Lapus said.

Secretary Lapus also lauded the League of Corporate Foundations, Petron Foundation, and Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation for the initiatives they have undertaken for the improvement of public education in the country.