A Doorway to Learning: Rotary Club of Tagum North Builds a Culture of Reading in Compostela

A child opens a book and discovers places never seen, people never met, and possibilities never imagined.

This simple act of reading is at the heart of the Reading Hub project of the Rotary Club of Tagum North, which brings Rotary’s commitment to Basic Education and Literacy closer to young learners in Compostela, Davao de Oro.

On September 17, the club officially turned over its newly completed Reading Hub to Compostela Central Elementary School SPED Center, marking not only the completion of a facility but the beginning of a new chapter in the school’s literacy journey.

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Funded through Rotary Foundation District Grant No. 2685397, the project reflects the club’s commitment to meaningful and sustainable community service—creating opportunities that can benefit learners for years to come.

More than a room filled with books, the Reading Hub provides a welcoming space where children can develop literacy skills, discover the joy of reading, explore new ideas, and build confidence as learners. It transforms reading from a classroom requirement into an experience of discovery.

The project began during the presidency of Immediate Past President Jason James S. Ebdao and was realized through the partnership of the Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of Tagum North, Department of Education, Local Government Unit of Compostela, school officials, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders.

The turnover ceremony was graced by Hon. Levi S. Ebdao, Municipal Mayor of Compostela, and Angelito D. Carreon, CESE, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of the Schools Division of Davao de Oro. Also present were Engr. Norverto S. Manlangit, Maroja R. Belisario, Ed.D., Rouge D. Dela Torre, Cherry Ann Y. Panio, and PTA President Vincent N. Rojas.

Representing Rotary were District Governor Arlene J. Adlawan, along with Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Tagum, Rotary Club of Tagum Golden LACES, and Satellite Club of RCTGL-Compostela.

Leading the Rotary Club of Tagum North were President Robyn Nino R. Pereyras, District Grant Project Chair and IPP Jason James S. Ebdao, and Reading Construction Project Chair Noven Drio Deligero.

The literacy initiative was further strengthened by the donation of bookshelves and reading materials from IPP Jason James S. Ebdao, PN Lorena C. Lintuan, PP Dorysl Galaga, and Atty. Judy Marie R. Tan of the St. Thomas More School of Law and Business.

The Reading Hub now stands ready to welcome its most important partners—the learners.

For the Rotary Club of Tagum North, the turnover is not an ending but a beginning. The shelves are filled, the books are waiting, and the next chapter belongs to the children.

One book. One learner. One story at a time.

Written by: PAG Arnold M. Nicolas