QUEZON CITY – Bagong Pag-asa Elementary School students will now be more inspired to learn with the opening of their new library.

Inspired by the story and activity book Ignited Souls, the library was formally opened on Thursday by SoFA Design Institute President Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Quezon City District 1 Action Officer Ollie Belmonte, Quezon City Public Library OIC Mariza Chico, Schools Division Office Supt. Dr. Carleen Sedilla, QC Internal Auditor Noel Gascon and Bgy. Bagong Pag-asa Chairperson Rudy Palma.

The new library is expected to provide some 2,013 students access to information they need to enrich their knowledge, according to Mayor Joy Belmonte.

“We believe that this joint effort between the private and public sector is a great contribution to the people of Quezon City,” said Belmonte, adding that the city government “will support any partnership that aims to improve the quality of education in our city.”

“We’re really grateful to our partners from the local government of Quezon City and the school administrators for helping to make sure that education is more and more accessible to Filipino children,” Alunan said.

SoFA Design Institute is the country’s leading specialized design school, offering a wide range of programs in fashion and interior design.

Atayde, for his part, said the library will help ensure access to information and education for everyone. “This includes building libraries which is a vital component of this effort, as it capitalizes on solutions that bring so much value in enhancing education within our communities,” the lawmaker said.

Aside from Bagong Pag-Asa Elementary School, Atayde said four other Quezon City schools will be given their own library.

Bagong Pag-Asa Elementary School Principal Lorna Ojeda expressed gratitude for the project, underscoring the library’s contribution to helping shape the minds of their students.

“We’re excited to witness how our students will become more equipped with modern learning tools that will prepare them for the future. We are thankful to have been chosen as the beneficiary of this project,” Ojeda said.

The Ignited Souls Team, composed of SoFA Interior Design students Samantha Bell, Virneece Ragragio, and Mark San Diego, started the initiative as part of their graduation project. The construction began in November 2022 and was completed in April 2023.

With the concept of creating a space that promotes a regenerative future, the design elements of the library were based on the components featured in the Ignited Souls book. It also draws inspiration from the term Liwayway, which means a new beginning.

• 30 –