Vice President Sara Duterte’s new children’s book, Isang Kaibigan (A Friend), is making waves for more reasons than one. As part of the OVP’s high-profile “PagbaBAGo Campaign,” this heartwarming tale is not only capturing the imagination of young readers but also igniting a heated debate over its substantial funding. With a staggering P10 million allocated, questions about the book’s use of confidential funds have become a hot topic in the Philippine Senate. So, what do leading children’s book authors think about the Isang Kaibigan book? We’ve gathered exclusive insights from three renowned authors (who prefer to remain anonymous) to uncover the truth!
The Buzz About Isang Kaibigan
Isang Kaibigan tells the touching story of Kwago the owl, who is left stranded after a devastating storm. As his friends abandon him, only Loro the parrot returns to help him rebuild his home. With 16 pages of vibrant illustrations by Janina Simbillo and Joseph Caligner, this book aims to teach children about the true meaning of friendship and support. However, the P10 million funding allocated for this book, part of the controversial confidential funds, has sparked widespread debate.
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Author 1’s Candid Review
Author 1 shares their unfiltered thoughts on the Isang Kaibigan book:
“The Isang Kaibigan book is a commendable effort to illustrate the values of friendship and loyalty. The story of Kwago and Loro is both touching and educational. However, the straightforward writing style is a double-edged sword. While it ensures accessibility for young readers, it may also leave some craving more depth. The open-ended nature of the story could either spark deep reflections or leave some readers seeking more closure. The effectiveness of this book will ultimately depend on how well it resonates with its young audience.”
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Author 2’s Insightful Critique
Author 2 dives into the technical aspects of the Isang Kaibigan book:
“A children’s book should seamlessly blend text and illustrations to create an engaging experience. Isang Kaibigan explores the important theme of friendship, but its success relies on how well it integrates story and artwork. Effective children’s literature should ‘show, not tell,’ allowing young readers to discover the message on their own. The book’s impact will depend on its ability to naturally captivate and entertain. Despite its valuable theme, Isang Kaibigan needs to connect more deeply with its young readers to be truly effective.”
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Author 3’s Personal Perspective
Author 3, a mother and seasoned children’s book author, offers her take on Isang Kaibigan:
“Creating a children’s book is a labor of love, requiring careful planning and feedback. The Isang Kaibigan book, while well-intentioned, seems to fall short in delivering a fully engaging experience. A high-quality children’s book must captivate both the heart and mind of young readers. Unfortunately, this book doesn’t seem to fully meet that standard. The investment of P10 million in confidential funds for this project raises additional questions about the allocation and effectiveness of resources. Crafting a story that resonates with children is no small feat, and this book may not hit the mark as expected.”
Conclusion: Is Isang Kaibigan Worth the Investment?
The Isang Kaibigan book by Vice President Sara Duterte offers a heartfelt message about friendship and support, but how does it measure up? The reviews from these top authors reveal a mixture of praise and critique. While the book’s intentions are admirable, its real success will be determined by how effectively it connects with and engages its young audience.
The ongoing debate over the book’s P10 million funding—part of the contentious confidential funds—adds a layer of complexity to the story. As Isang Kaibigan continues to be distributed through the OVP’s campaign, the real impact on children and the broader discussion about the use of confidential funds remain to be seen. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story!