The Philippines is a major victim of the importance of books being lost to time. The country’s extremely low ranking on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reflects this sentiment. It is alarming to see how low Filipino literacy has gotten in recent years. Moreover, it is definitely more alarming to consider that it is constantly getting lower alongside its steady drop.  

Additionally, not only is literacy declining, but the interest and habit in reading is also being lost. The National Readership Survey (NRS) has shown that the habit for reading non-school books (NSB) is dwindling. A primary reason as mentioned by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the lack of availability and accessibility. Public libraries are not often recognized and there is a lack of awareness of their existence. The current prices of books also play a role into why the interest in books is declining. As a reader myself, books are expensive. Especially for those with lower income, it is not likely that reading will develop into a sustainable habit. Thankfully, many bookstores and sellers often have sales and offers that make books more affordable. For instance, there are sales conducted by the National Book Store (NBS), even having a ‘buy 3 book for ₱100’ sale. Secondhand books are also an option in shops that accept such books. Another is the well-known Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), although this is more on the pricey side. 

There needs to first be a resurgence in the habit of reading for books to be given more importance. Nowadays, it is not often that youth will indicate reading as a hobby. Technology and computers are the modern interest. Though technology may not be a primary reason, it has a role in the declining readership of the country. It would be best for the youth today to be given books instead of phones, especially for those at a younger age. The reader also needs to instill in him/herself that reading is a habit and not a chore. The way students may have been accustomed to is that books are required and not necessarily a possible leisure activity. It has to be made known to students that there are an endless amount of stories readily available. It is not limited to the classic being introduced in school; there is a genre, prompt, and topic made for everyone.