It is important to work hard but it is more important to work smart.

 

This was the message of the inspiring tales told to some 60 children during the Inquirer Read-Along session at Inquirer office in Makati on Saturday.

 

The morning session featured Radyo Inquirer broadcaster Aida Prieto-Gonzales, Kapandesal Multipurpose Cooperative founding chair Mel Tadeo and Sophia School principal Ann Abacan and teachers Osang dela Vega and Ellie dela Vega as guest storytellers.

 

Sophia School storytellers read “Si Langgam at Si Tipaklong,” as retold by Alberta Angeles. It is about a diligent ant which is relentless to store food—despite the distraction of its grasshopper pal to play instead—for the rainy season.

 

Gonzales and Tadeo read in tandem “Ang Papag ni Tatang” by Segundo Matias Jr. It is about a hardworking father who inspires his children to be resilient to succeed in life.

 

“Money is important but you have to make use of it in the right way and [know how to] save it. Being a hard worker, my philosophy, my secret is you have to have ‘P.H.D.,’ which is Patience, Hard Work, and Determination,” Gonzales said.

 

 

“Money is next to oxygen. We need money. We need financial literacy. But why do we need money? … It is because of our love for our family, and more than ourselves, we need to love others. So you don’t love the money. You use the money for loving [others].” Tadeo said.

 

Kapandesal Multipurpose Cooperative works and earns through its businesses, including loans, bills payment, travel and tours, laundry shops, real estate, logistics, events and productions and coffee shops.

 

Along with its successful businesses is its unrelenting commitment in community-building through scholarships, feeding programs, financial literacy, youth sports programs, correctional visits and classroom donations.

 

 

Kapandesal hosts a weekly radio program, “Kapandesal at Kapihan sa Kooperatiba” together with the Cooperative Development Authority in Radyo Inquirer.

 

The next Inquirer Read-Along session will be held on Sept. 19 (Tuesday), 10 a.m. at Inquirer main office in Makati. Interested sponsors and participants may contact Odeng Orolaza at (02) 8978808 loc. 330 or email [email protected].