The twins were barefoot when missionary brother Leo Montales first noticed them.
Jovan and Joven, 7, were buying ice cream along with their cousin when Montales first met them in Lourdes village in Pilar town in Sorsogon. Turning to a friend to ask whether the kids could read or write, he soon found out he needed to do something.
Montales, a native of Daraga town in Albay province, had nine years of experience teaching literacy to Chinese students.
Meeting the twins strengthened his resolve to use that experience and extend help to Bicolano out-of-school youth by offering scholarships. For him, it was an ambitious dream—one he continued to nurture and pray for.
Mobile Library
St. Joseph’s Mobile Library of Kindness was formally launched on Sunday, Sept. 14, but its roots go back to the pandemic in 2020, when efforts to help children in the community first began.
The mobile library is a small truck, about the size of two refrigerators placed end to end lengthwise. Inside, there are learning materials, tables, and chairs for the children’s comfort.
Through this mobile library, kids are taught on-site and online, depending on their location.
“The mobile [library] is to reach out to children in remote areas,” Montales told BicoldotPH. “Our purpose here is really to help those who are struggling, who are having a hard time reading—children who need to improve their reading skills. That’s why we have a lot of children’s books and storybooks.”
Montales also takes part in teaching the children the sound of each letter.
“The purpose [of this initiative] is really to help them, especially the less fortunate who can’t afford to buy books. Sometimes, they don’t even have access to a library or a teacher. Although they are still in school, they still need extra help,” Montales said.
Support from the New York-based House of Joseph Foundation sustains the St. Joseph’s Mobile Library of Kindness, although Montales said he has already reached out to other organizations.
“So far, everything is okay. Maybe we need more volunteers so that we won’t get too tired,” he shared with a smile.
Two Sites
Together with its supporters, the mobile library regularly visits two areas: the aforementioned Lourdes village and San Ramon village in Montales’ hometown.
From these two villages, Montales’ dream is to expand to the far reaches of the archipelago—in all 85 dioceses.
“Because this is a church-based organization, we are a religious congregation, and we want to be under the umbrella of the dioceses,” he said.
Future
“It’s a different kind of fulfillment that you feel when you help—especially the children. We know that these children will be the future of our country, and they really need support,” Montales happily shared.
He also emphasized that the initiative does not only focus on the children’s mental growth but also on their spiritual development. A catechesis component is integrated into the program, where they teach religious songs and read stories from the Bible.
During the process, Montales realized an important lesson: consistency in what you have started truly matters. Even when the weather is bad, when he feels tired or irritated, or when only a few students show up, the show must go on.
“Whether you are feeling up or down, whether you’re tired or irritated, you must keep going. You need consistency so that you’ll see results. That’s what I’ve been thinking about. One day, I know I will feel exhausted—in fact, this is the first time I’ve felt it,” he said.
Challenges in Learning
Montales emphasized the growing challenge of how technology often overshadows reading. He said he observed that many parents today allow their children to spend more time on screens rather than with books.
He urged parents to invest not only in books but also in quality time with their children at home, stressing that reading and comprehension are essential for a child’s growth.
He also expressed concern over the declining comprehension skills among the youth.
“Sometimes, it’s sad and even frustrating when a simple message or social media post is misunderstood,” he said, recalling moments when clear instructions were ignored or misread.
For him, this reflects the urgent need to strengthen reading habits and comprehension skills. He reminded parents to regulate cellphone use and to heed expert advice that children below 13 should not be exposed too early to gadgets, as it can pose risks to their health and development.
“While the tree is still young, you must plant it first. It’s the same with the formation of a child,” he advised.
For Montales, education is not just about academics—it must also instill good values and nurture spiritual growth.
“That is the right time to give them what is good, so they can grow up to be responsible individuals and help the country,” he added. | Jay-r Nabor and Michael Josh Toledo
(raro)
