True to his advocacy

I am the author of “Read and Lead,” a supplementary reader for English Grade 5 approved by the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2012. The book can be used in all public elementary schools and learning centers in the country.

However, I doubted its worthiness after reading several articles in the Inquirer by “sick books crusader” Antonio Calipjo Go, the academic supervisor of Marian School of Quezon City.

In his articles, he exposed many glaring errors he found in the Science Learner’s Material for Grade 4, the Araling Panlipunan for Grade 5, and the Science Learner’s Material for Grade 10.

All such materials passed the evaluation of the DepEd evaluation team, yet the critic has found them error-filled textbooks.

“Read and Lead,” like the aforementioned learning materials, passed DepEd evaluation.

Spurred by my doubt and my strong desire to know its real score from the crusader of good and correct textbooks, I sent him a copy with an accompanying letter of request to please correct it and give suggestions for its improvement and refinement.

The crusader called my request the most outlandish request to review. I was a stranger asking him a favor right away. Worse was that I didn’t ask him what the conditions were. Neither did I ask him how much it cost per review.

However, he granted the request with dispatch. He passionately went over the book not only once but four times, assured that all his suggestions were implemented. And wonder of wonders, everything was free. What a rarity!

Who would ever think that San Nicolas youth would be among the beneficiaries of educator Antonio Calipjo Go’s selflessness and decades-long advocacy?

LUVIMINA V. CALUPIG, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, drpatmd403@yahoo.com