Lampara Books Supports DepEd’s ARAL Program Through Nationwide Storytelling Competition

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

Lampara Books continues to champion reading literacy through Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, a nationwide search that celebrates the creativity and storytelling talents of young readers. The competition culminated in its Grand Finals on September 12, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, where the top three finalists in two separate categories competed for the coveted top spot.

The Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 initiative forms part of Lampara Books’ continuing advocacy to foster a stronger appreciation for reading among children. It also supports the literacy goals of the Department of Education’s ARAL Program, which provides structured interventions for learners who need additional assistance in developing key academic skills, particularly in reading.

Seeing how Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista continues to encourage children to read and express themselves through storytelling made me appreciate how important it is to make literacy enjoyable and meaningful. The program shows that reading is not only about improving academic skills but also about giving children the confidence and creativity to share their own stories. It is inspiring to see initiatives like this support the country’s literacy efforts while helping young learners develop a stronger connection with 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 continues to be a national priority, highlighting the importance of developing a new generation of children who view reading as meaningful, enjoyable, and something they can continually return to. Matias underscored the need to foster a lasting appreciation for reading among young learners.

At a time when children are becoming increasingly exposed to and dependent on technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista provides a meaningful and sustainable way to reinforce the value of reading in today’s digital age. Rather than opposing technological progress, the initiative aims to ensure that these developments do not weaken children’s connection with books and reading. As Matias explained, “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.”