A division of
Ayala Foundation, Inc.
Makati Avenue
Ayala Triangle
Makati City 1224
Philippines

FHL and NBDB host first panel discussion on reading campaigns What makes a reading campaign work? What factors affect its success or failure? How can efforts to build a nation of readers be sustained? These were only a few of the questions posed during the discussion on what makes a reading campaign work. The panel, composed of representatives from various organizations advocating reading campaigns, devoted the early part of the discussion to the presentation of the reading campaign initiatives of different institutions. The National Book Development Board (NBDB) opened the talk with readership statistics in the country based on the 2003 Social Weather Station Readership Survey. The numbers showed an urgent need for the concerted effort of the government and the private sector in promoting the love for books, especially locally authored ones. Representatives from Synergeia Foundation Inc., Adarna House Inc., Anvil Publishing Inc., Gawad Kalinga, and Sa Aklat, Sisikat Foundation presented the goals, components, and sustainability plans of their respective reading campaigns. From their presentations and the discussion that followed, a summary of recommendations was produced. A consensus was reached to create a task force headed by the NBDB that will strategically formulate a sustainable nationwide reading campaign that involves not only young Filipinos, but members of the immediate community (teachers, librarians, parents) as well. The use of appropriate tools and resources was also seen as a key component of a successful reading campaign. FHL was tasked to create a report for NBDB based on the key points raised in the discussion. The report will guide NBDB’s action plan to further promote the Philippine book industry. Saturday, June 30, 2007 Back