Vice President Sara Duterte’s children’s book, „Isang Kaibigan (A Friend),“ has recently become a topic of controversy during the Senate budget deliberations on the 2025 proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). The book, which is allocated P10 million in the budget, sparked a heated exchange between Duterte and Senator Risa Hontiveros.
During the budget hearing, Hontiveros questioned Duterte about the content of the book and its allocation of funds. Instead of directly answering the question, Duterte accused the senator of politicizing the hearing, stating that her name is listed in the book and that distributing it to children in remote communities could potentially influence their parents‘ votes.
„Isang Kaibigan“ tells the story of Kwago (Owl) who is abandoned by all but one of his friends after a storm destroys his home. Loro (Parrot) comes to Kwago’s aid, providing shelter and helping him rebuild his nest. The book emphasizes the importance of true friendship and loyalty in times of need.
The book, which is part of the OVP’s flagship program „PagbaBAGo Campaign,“ is distributed along with one million bags to beneficiaries. It contains 16 pages and is illustrated by Janina Simbillo and Joseph Caligner, with the publication done by the OVP. The book is not for sale and is intended for distribution to children in remote communities as part of the OVP’s outreach efforts.
During the budget hearing, Duterte clarified that the P10 million fund is allocated for the publication of the book and its distribution to beneficiaries of the PagbaBAGo campaign. The Vice President launched the book during the national reading month in November 2023 at Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City, during her tenure as the education secretary before resigning from the position in June 2025.
The controversy surrounding „Isang Kaibigan“ highlights the intersection of politics and public service, as well as the role of literature in shaping young minds. Despite the debate, the book’s message of friendship and loyalty remains a valuable lesson for children and adults alike.