■ The congressman works closely with community leaders to implement his reading campaign.


cover story magazine Getting to know Banal


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community habit. As one principal told him, students are looking forward to alternative and creative methods of learning. He believes that teachers are diligent but they need help in motivating the kids. He also added that “the younger generation has a lot of informa- tion available at their fingertips, and their attention is constantly diverted especially with the proliferation of Internet activities and video games that is why Information and communications technology are important in our educational system. Through partnerships with the Quezon City Capitol Jaycees, Quezon City Division of City Schools, Quezon City Public Library, Rotary Club and various professionals and personalities, Araw ng PagBasa served more than 4,900 students even before it was adopted by Quezon City council 2009. He believes that future collaborations with other organizations will result to increasing the number of students that would benefit this project.


Challenges of Araw ng PagBasa All initiatives and projects face chal-


lenges. As what the congressman said, they can only get volunteers, reading materials and a proper venue; but funds are needed in order to get things moving. He also shares that there is also the sentiment that a typical Filipino family


has more pressing concerns. Approximately 32.9 percent of the Philippine population lives below the poverty line. It is not unusual that parents sometimes feel that reading and literacy projects are irrelevant and not part of their primary concern. They would rather be a part of food and livelihood projects. Thus, Banal tries to strengthen the campaign for Araw ng Pagbasa and continuously tap various organizations for future collaboration. With House Bill 1457, they were able to reach out to the National Book Development Board and the Reading Association of the Philip- pines, which espouse similar principles. Congressman Banal’s family and relatives are very supportive and help in different ways. His brother Bong made a big contri- bution by designing all the logos for all his projects such as the Araw ng PagBasa, “QC Muna Bago Ang Sarili” and “School Bags para sa lahat.” His niece Gaby was invited to be one of the readers in their story telling sessions, his daughter Korinne along with her friends helps him manage the Feed the Mind program, and lastly his own mother, who is a Kapampangan, cooks for their target communities.


Congressman-slash-writer Banal also writes short stories, which are


available at various bookstores. One of his short stories is about Kikoman. Kikoman’s story talks about how kids should be more accurate and is incidentally about how Banal himself was when he was still a kid. It also tells the story of the love his mother has given him.


He also wrote “The Magic Arrow” about Ninoy Aquino and “Ang Bintana ni Lolo Othello [Lolo Othello’s Window]” which is an adaptation and a humble tribute to an uncle and a cousin who were really close to him. Banal hopes that someday he would be able to publish a book. He prefers the old- fashioned way of writing, maybe because of the fact that he hasn’t tried e-books. The last book he read was Blink by Malcolm Gladwell and some of his favorite books are the Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and most of John Grisham’s novels.


Vision for the Philippines Banal envisions the Philippines to be a


free, united and prosperous country. He believes we’re capable of taking care of each other. He thinks that this is possible if we can set aside our differences and work together despite it. He also added that we should be proud of our heritage. “Let us focus on what binds us, rather than what sets us apart,” he urges.


The Sunday Times


December 12, 2010


“Congressman Banal is a fine example of the new breed of politician—down to earth, truthful and most importantly, genuinely concerned about the welfare of his constituents. He takes the time to understand them and challenges himself and others to think ‘out of the box’ to come up with creative solutions that actually work. It has been both an honor and a joy to work with him in Pathways. I wish we had more like him in government.” SOLVIE NUBLA-LEE Pathways to Higher Education, director


“Congressman Bolet Banal has emerged as one of most


effective, hardworking, hands-on and dedicated leaders our country must value. “Being a stalwart of the Liberal Party where congressman Banal found a family, I have witnessed how he had nurtured a heart for public service, most especially for his poor and vulnerable constituents during his stint as the No. 1 councilor of Quezon City. He encouraged people’s participation in local governance and promoted transparency and accountability—and passed an ordinance in pursuit of this—which is truly a remarkable achievement of a leader. “As a proof to his consummate performance as a leader, he


received the distinction as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines in 2007 and a Kaya Natin! Champion in 2009. “Truly, this nation is more than blessed to have him not only as


the representative of the Third District of Quezon City, but more importantly as a leader and an architect of change who will help the Aquino administration in pursuing its dreams for the Filipino people. FLORENCIO “BUTCH” ABAD


Secretary, Department of Budget and Management “Rep. Jorge “Bolet” Banal is among those who promise to infuse


fresh blood in, and bring idealism and change to, the House of Representatives. He ran on a platform of good government and won over a well-entrenched political opponent in his district. Soon after his election, he immediately started consultations with his constituents regarding controversial and important pieces of legislation, among them relating to Constitutional amendments and Reproductive Health, practicing the bottoms-up democratic leadership he has assiduously espoused. Despite being a first timer, Bolet has been entrusted by the entire House membership with the crucial positions of deputy majority leader of the powerful Committee on Rules and of vice chair of the Committee on Education. I am certain he will once more distinguish himself in these positions by fulfilling his mandate and duties, and in the process, further endear himself to his constituency and regain for government the trust and confidence of the people for whom it exists.” FELICIANO “SONNY” BELMONTE Speaker, House of Representatives


■ Rep. Jorge “Bolet” Banal Jr. of the Third District of Quezon City


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