The ciy government of Marikina, through the City Library, will launch a Reading Week dubbed “We are a reading city! Maki-READ-na!” on June 30.

Mayor Marides Fernando said the event is part of her administration’s vision of creating a “city of readers.”

“We believe in the power of reading to transform lives. It’s a power we particularly want to give our young children to jumpstart their knowledge-driven journey,” she added.

A city-wide motorcade will kick off the event at 6 a.m. It will be followed by the launching of the “Speak English” campaign to be led by Mayor Fernando at the Freedom Park at 8 a.m. The launching of the City Library’s Instructional Reading and Teacher Mom Mentoring programs will also be simultaneously held.

At 9 a.m. at the City Hall Quadrangle, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and Mayor Fernando will lead the opening of a book fair.

A forum on the importance of reading to children, with Dr. Mel Ahon, president of the Reading Association of the Philippines as resource speaker, will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. at the MCF Hall on the second floor of Marikina City Hall.

“We are a reading city! Maki-READ-na!” which will run until July 4, will be comprised of various activities, including storytelling/reading sessions, art workshops, seminars, book drive, tutorial reading programs, and a Writers Day on July 2 with Virgilio Almario and Bienvenido Lumbera as resource speakers.