Vice President Sara Duterte’s self-authored children’s book, ‘Isang Kaibigan’ (A Friend), has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly over the P10-million allocation requested for its publication in the proposed 2025 budget.
The issue was brought to light during a Senate budget hearing on Tuesday, where Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the appropriateness of this expenditure under the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) P100-million “Pagbabago Campaign, A Million Learners and Trees” program.
Isang Kaibigan is a 16-page illustrated children’s book, though only half of these pages contain the story. The tale revolves around an owl whose home is destroyed by a storm and a parrot who offers him temporary shelter, highlighting themes of friendship and compassion.
At the book’s conclusion, a portrait of Vice President Duterte is displayed with the caption, “Siya ay isang tunay na kaibigan” (she is a true friend), a phrase that has drawn considerable backlash online.
One user argue that the book’s messaging borders on propaganda and remarked, “This is not even subtle propaganda – it’s painfully blatant. ‘Siya ay isang tunay na kaibigan.’ How is that not mind conditioning the youth, huh?”
The book’s budget allocation has also been a focal point of criticism. Many social media users are puzzled by the steep cost requested for a children’s book of only 16 pages. One user noted, “Ito yung “Isang Kaibigan,” manipis lang naman pala. Mahal siguro ang raw materials to print this one, for her asking a 10 Million Pesos budget? Magkano ba magpagawa ng isang children’s book?”
Adding to the controversy, another user took it upon themselves to proofread the book, highlighting errors in grammar and word choice.
The debate over Isang Kaibigan took center stage at the Senate budget hearing, with Senator Hontiveros challenging the Vice President on the necessity and propriety of such an expense. Duterte defended the allocation, framing the book as part of a broader educational initiative under the OVP’s “Pagbabago Campaign.”
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