City Revives Love for Reading in First Outdoor Library

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

To help revive the love for reading among the younger generation, the Iloilo City government launched its first outdoor library at Plaza Libertad on Monday, June 23.

“We need to bring back the love for reading,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.

He announced that the mobile library will soon be replicated in public plazas across all city districts.

During the launch, Treñas led a storytelling session and a fun Q&A activity with pupils from the city-run Talatapan Children’s Learning Center.

The project is a joint initiative of the Iloilo City Public Library and the Technical Institute of Iloilo City.

Treñas said the program responds to alarming reports of declining literacy among Filipino students, despite the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum.

“They can read, but they can’t understand what they are reading,” he said.

“I want people to continue reading because our education system is in a bad state.”

He added that the city is continuing to improve school facilities and provide teacher training.

Treñas also expressed concern that the Philippines is falling behind neighboring countries due to longstanding issues in the education sector.

Currently, Iloilo City has seven public libraries, most located near daycare centers.

“These may be small, but these are interventions to bring back the love for reading,” he said.

The mayor also announced that the newly redeveloped Jaro Plaza’s lighted water fountain and covered gym will be inaugurated on the evening of June 26.