Republic Act No. 10556

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Title

This Act shall be known as "The Araw ng Pagbasa Act of 2013″.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy

The State recognizes and supports endeavors that promote reading and literacy, motivate awareness and uphold our Filipino heritage and culture, including educational activities focusing on the life of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., whose role in our country’s history was influenced by great writings of different individuals.

The State likewise recognizes the importance of promoting reading as a shared activity among the youth, families, educators and the private sector, thereby emphasizing personal interaction and facilitating the exchange of ideas throughout the country.

Section 3. National Holiday

November 27 of every year is hereby declared as "Araw ng Pagbasa", which shall be a regular working holiday, to be celebrated in all elementary and secondary schools in the country. In the event that the holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday shall be observed on the Friday of that week.

Section 4. Implementing Agency

The Department of Education, in consultation with the National Book Development Board, other government agencies and units, and reading associations concerned, shall plan and implement activities for the observance of "Araw ng Pagbasa", such as story-telling sessions and reading skills modules. In addition to Filipino and English, the use of regional languages in the celebration shall be encouraged.

Section 5. Effectivity

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) JUAN PONCE ENRILE President of the Senate	(Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR. Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 4, 2013.

(Sgd.) EDWIN B. BELLEN Acting Senate Secretary	(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: MAY 15 2013

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of the Philippines