At the strike of one o’clock in the afternoon, the pupils would “Drop Everything and Read.” Teachers call it the DEAR period.

This is Manguiao Elementary School’s simple yet effective strategy in fostering a passion for reading among their 340-plus students.

Nestled in the hinterlands of Asturias, Cebu, the school doesn’t have a library. But their classrooms have shelves filled with different kinds of books and reading materials.

Kids from Grades 1 to 6 will grab something from the shelves, and then read for 10 to 15 minutes before they resume their afternoon classes.

“They pick a favorite passage from what they’ve read. They tell the class why they liked it, and how it applies in their lives,” said fifth-grade teacher Rodita Cruz.

Ma’am Rodita saw more than just a program for improving reading comprehension. She saw a window of opportunity to share the Gospel to the children. The Bible is her book of choice for DEAR period.

“I encourage my students to read the Bible so they would be closer to God,” she said. “I learned that the secret in instilling discipline among children is for them to have fear in God. So I share to them His Word.”

Aivan Faith Tacsanan, 11, is Ma’am Rodita’s second top pupil. She always looks forward to reading her Bible every afternoon at school.

“I learned a lot of things about God,” Aivan shared. “I learned how to be a good and obedient daughter to my parents.”

Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,” Aivan proudly recited. She wants to be a teacher someday, just like Ma’am Rodita.

Teachers and students of Manguiao now have more reason to enjoy reading. Operation Blessing gave them 225 new books last November 24. Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon, co-host of The 700 Club Asia, graced the turnover of books.

“You share these books to those who do not know how to read yet,” was Felichi’s challenge to the students.

Aivan and her schoolmates also got freebies from OB’s Holiday of Hope and Cheers. They were taught proper dental care by volunteer dentists, and were fed with porridge fortified with nutrients needed by their bodies. It was a jolly day indeed for these young Cebuanos!

Hundreds of books were distributed and many schoolchildren were served previously in the towns of Tuburan and Tabuelan. This is Operation Blessing’s way of spreading early Christmas cheer to the children of Cebu.