SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — To promote environmental awareness and love for reading to more people, Thrive Publishing launched its first ever book “Si Kiko at Ang Haring Pawikan”.

The storybook, which is about a young boy who met a tragedy at sea but was rescued by sea turtles, is written by Jason Dela Cruz Gavina, a corporate social practitioner based in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“The book is inspired by my many experiences as a CSR professional, doing coastal-clean ups. I realized that the ocean plastic problem, is really a people problem. Environmental stewardship should be promoted at an early age,” shares Gavina.

The book is also inspired by the beautiful environment of Subic Bay and the author’s experience at the Pawicare Conservation site in San Narciso, Zambales.

The book is colorfully illustrated by Prestian and Mark Lee and designed by Samuel Macalalag.

As part of its social responsibility, Thrive Publishing also launched Aklat Bayanihan, a program which aims to engage partners in providing books to more young Filipino readers. The initiative is supported by Subic Enerzone, RP Energy, Villar Sipag Foundation, Inflatable Island, Samba beach resort, Proud PH, JCI Olongapo, JCI Bataan, JCI Subic Lambat, JCI Cauayan Bamboo, Subic Fisherfolk Association, the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, the Junior SBFCC, Mr. Delivery, and other partners.

Si Kiko at Ang Haring Pawikan is available at The Mt. Cloud Bookshop in Baguio City and can be ordered through Thrive Publishing’s Facebook page. ~