Romero Promotes Reading, Writing as Tools for Nation-Building

MANILA — Former House Deputy Speaker and Philippine Air Force Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon “Mikee” Romero is taking part today in the TopNewsAsia Magazine Signing at the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2026 in Araneta City, Cubao. Romero is joining Commission on Elections Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia and TopNewsAsia editor-in-chief and author Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas in the magazine-signing event from 2 to 4 p.m. at National Book Store.

For Romero, the festival highlights the important role of reading, writing and education in building an informed and successful generation. “I became a billionaire because I was persistent and hardworking.

I started from home, stayed focused on my goals and never gave up.

If I can do it, our young students can do it, too,” Romero said. He encouraged students to dream big, work hard and use education as a foundation for achieving their goals. “Read widely, think critically and write with purpose. Your circumstances today do not define your future. With determination, discipline and education, you can write your own success story,” Romero said.