Be The Good: Nanie Guanlao and the state of community reading centers

MANILA, Philippines – The virality of ABS-CBN’s post of Hernando “Nanie” Guanlao’s Reading Club 2000 public library in Makati, and public applause for the popularity of the Valenzuela City Library show that Filipinos appreciate efforts to spread the love of reading.

What makes these community-led literacy initiatives work? In this episode of “Be The Good,” Guanlao and Carmela Bunyi shows Rappler the Muntinlupa “branch” of Reading Club 2000 in Barangay Putatan, a space that demonstrates how reading centers are also community centers. The reading center caters to the children of the barangay, who go to a daycare in the same building.

Catch the episode at 7 pm on Friday, January 19!

How far can community reading centers go in alleviating the learning poverty and education crisis in the Philippines?

In the  Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 rankings, students in the Philippines were among the lowest in proficiency in reading, math, and science. The 2019 Southeast Asia-Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) found that 9 out of 10 Grade 5 students in the Philippines failed to meet the minimum reading standard as defined by the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Be The Good” is Rappler’s show about causes, campaigns, and advocacies. We help you get smarter about causes you want to support. – Rappler.com

Watch other “Be The Good” episodes:

• Be The Good: Robie Siy on creating streets for people
• Be The Good: Sabrina Gacad on helping victims of gender-based violence
• Be The Good: Cielo Magno on her call to abolish confidential funds