The “Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista” initiative serves as a cornerstone of Lampara Books’ overarching literacy campaign, designed to transform reading from a routine task into a joyful experience for children.
The tradition of fostering a love for reading took center stage as Lampara Books hosted the grand finals of Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026. Gathered at the SMX Convention Center Manila on Sept. 12, 2026, the country’s top three young storytellers in two separate categories went head-to-head for the ultimate title.
Designed to bridge learning gaps, Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista directly aligns with the literacy milestones set by DepEd’s ARAL Program. While Lampara Books focuses on helping children discover the joy of storytelling, the partnership actively supports the government’s systematic efforts to rehabilitate reading skills among elementary students requiring academic intervention.
These efforts are further strengthened by Lampara Books’ existing foundational literacy programs, such as Magbasa Tayo!—which utilizes the Marungko Approach—and the Systematic Phonics-based Let’s Read! initiative. Together, these campaigns form a comprehensive educational ecosystem that guides children from basic reading mechanics to a lifelong appreciation for literature.
In a highly anticipated segment at this year’s Manila International Book Fair, Lampara Books officially announced the winners of the Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 competition.
Category A (Grade 1-3):
1st Place: Catriona Xia C. Gacutan
2nd Place: Zander Skye H. Saplagio
3rd Place: Ameera Estelle E. Incognito
Category B (Grade 4-6):
1st Place: Czarina Sophia L. Hinanay
2nd Place: Ma. Daniela C. Mejos
3rd Place: Alamela G. Cacho
Evaluating the young contestants was a prominent panel of judges: multidisciplinary artist Pepot Atienza, professor and storyteller Melanie Ramirez, UP Diliman literature professor Eugene Evasco, children’s author and reading education professor Portia Padilla, and senior PETA member Csairus John Habla.
Inclusivity and representation
The 2026 iteration of the competition drew 416 young storytellers representing 139 schools across the Philippines. Notably, 45 percent of these participants hailed from provinces outside the National Capital Region (NCR). By incorporating digital submissions, the organizers effectively eliminated travel and logistical barriers, giving children from remote rural communities and urban centers an equal opportunity to compete.
According to Segundo Matias Jr., co-founder and president of Lampara Publishing House, Inc., this year’s contestants brought a refreshing, natural energy to the stage. Rather than presenting overly practiced performances, Matias noted that the young storytellers approached their pieces with “unique but spontaneous” creativity that defied their young age.
Reflecting on the natural talent displayed on stage, Matias admits, “Hindi maikakailang malikhain ang mga bata.” He pointed out that the children’s ability to interpret the stories using their unique personal style gave the presentations a wonderfully raw and refreshing quality.
A national concern
Underscoring that reading advocacy remains a critical national priority, Matias stressed the importance of nurturing a new generation of youth. He emphasized that children must be encouraged to view reading as a deeply meaningful and enjoyable habit that they will continually choose to revisit.
As young learners navigate a landscape shaped by advanced tools like artificial intelligence (AI), the competition offers an enduring alternative that reinforces the value of reading in the modern world. Rather than fighting technological shifts, the real challenge lies in protecting a child’s connection to literature amid rapid digital evolution. To address this, the organizers noted: “Ang Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista ay isang inisyatibo para lalo pang matutong magbasa ang mga bata. Hindi tayo dapat magpabaya. Gusto ihatid ng Lampara Books na mas masaya ang pagbabasa, kaya ginawa itong pagtatanghal para lalo pang mapalaganap ang pagbabasa.”
