VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — As education continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world, meaningful partnerships have become increasingly important in expanding learning opportunities for students beyond the classroom.
Through collaborations with local organizations, schools, and community groups, the Consulate General of the Republic of San Marino in the Philippines continues to strengthen programs that help young Filipinos grow academically, culturally, and socially.
By working closely with educational institutions and community stakeholders, the Consulate has expanded initiatives that promote lifelong learning and expose students to broader cultural and global perspectives. These efforts reflect the growing understanding that education today extends beyond textbooks and traditional instruction—it also involves nurturing creativity, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation of the world.
According to Consul General Jean Henri Lhuillier, education must equip young people with the skills and mindset needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected future.
“Education today must prepare students not only to read and write, but also to understand the world around them, appreciate culture, and adapt to the future. Young learners need opportunities that encourage curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong desire to learn,” said Lhuillier.
This vision has guided several educational and cultural initiatives supported by the Consulate over the years. Beyond promoting literacy, these programs seek to create enriching learning experiences that help students become globally aware while remaining grounded in their communities and cultural identity.
Among the Consulate’s longstanding collaborators is Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI), whose partnership has further strengthened efforts to make educational and community-based programs more accessible to Filipino youth. Together, they continue to support initiatives that encourage literacy, creativity, and inclusive learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
One such initiative is the Consulate’s partnership with Bookmark, Inc. to publish Pamilyang Papel, a children’s activity and storytelling material designed to make cultural education more engaging and accessible. The publication promotes reading, creativity, and the formation of values through interactive learning experiences that introduce young readers to culture and heritage.
Building on these efforts, the Consulate, in collaboration with Cebuana Lhuillier and LINKS Philippines, has continued to strengthen the Hooked on Books Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing learning environments and fostering a stronger culture of reading among Filipino students. The latest project under the program is the development of the JHL-RSM Library, the 30th milestone Hooked on Books (HOB) library established through the initiative.
As part of the project, Leonor Petra G. Elepaño met with representatives of the local government and the city administration of Manila, including city administrator Atty. Eduardo Quintos, who expressed support for the initiative and its potential impact on the community.
Currently under construction at Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School, the JHL-RSM Library forms part of the Consulate’s broader commitment to creating more inclusive and supportive spaces for learning. In preparation for its opening, volunteers and partners participated in a three-day community effort that included mural painting activities, library setup, and storytelling sessions for students. These activities reflect the program’s holistic approach to literacy, combining access to books with creative learning experiences that encourage children to develop a lifelong love for reading.
The project has also received support from several private-sector partners. Boysen donated mural paints that helped transform the facility into a vibrant and engaging space for students, while TOSOT served as the project’s air-conditioning sponsor.
Meanwhile, Archispace Design Inc. contributed to the construction and design of the learning space alongside JAS Design and Build Development Corp., led by Sandy Ocampo and Alvin Lu, further highlighting the collaborative effort behind the initiative.
As the project continues to take shape, it reflects San Marino’s enduring commitment to supporting educational programs that expand access to knowledge, encourage cultural appreciation, and help prepare young Filipinos for the opportunities and challenges of the future. Through initiatives such as the JHL-RSM Library, the Consulate continues to demonstrate how partnerships can help create meaningful learning experiences that empower the next generation of Filipino learners.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
