IN today’s fast-paced world, where information is readily available, it’s easy to overlook the importance of reading. However, the truth is that low readership among citizens can have far-reaching consequences for a country’s economy. As someone who values education and believes in the power of literacy, I am concerned about the implications of declining reading habits on our economic prosperity.
When people don’t read as much, it doesn’t just affect their personal lives—it affects the entire economy. Reading isn’t just about flipping through pages; it’s about developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. These are the very skills that drive innovation and productivity in our industries. Without a strong foundation in reading, our workforce may struggle to keep up with technological advancements and compete globally.
Low readership contributes to a shortage of skilled workers; this shortage not only hampers economic growth but also widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots, leading to higher unemployment rates and income inequality.
Additionally, the economic repercussions of low readership extend beyond just numbers and statistics. They affect real people—authors, publishers, artists—who rely on a vibrant reading culture for their livelihoods. A decline in readership means fewer opportunities for these individuals, potentially leading to various losses in our creative sectors.
This is why the 2023 National Readership Survey (NRS) results were quite alarming as it revealed a significant decrease in non-school book readership among Filipino adults and children. According to the findings, in 2023, children’s readership stood at 47 percent, while adult readership was at 42 percent.
One of the main reasons attributed to this decline was limited access to books. Additionally, there was a lack of awareness regarding public libraries, compounded by constraints such as time limitations and the distant locations of these facilities, which deterred people from visiting them.
Conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) from November 14th to 20th, 2023, on behalf of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the 2023 National Readership Survey surveyed 2,400 adults aged 18 and above and 2,400 children aged 8-17. It stands as the most comprehensive analysis of Filipinos’ reading habits and preferences to date.
The NBDB emphasized, however, that overall attitudes toward books and reading remained positive despite the challenges highlighted by the survey. The majority of respondents acknowledged the significance of books beyond the educational and professional realms. Key insights from the survey included the popularity of the Bible as the most favored non-school book (NSB) genre among adults and picture books among children, preference for reading in the Filipino language across age groups, preference for printed books, and primary considerations when selecting NSBs, which revolved around availability.
But more importantly, the survey underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts among institutions and agencies involved in literacy promotion to reignite the passion for reading among Filipinos. Policymakers, educators, community leaders, and stakeholders must prioritize initiatives that promote readership and literacy. Engaging the parents in endeavors to enhance the accessibility of reading materials across all segments of society is likewise crucial.
We must understand that the economic well-being of our nation is intricately linked to our reading habits. It’s time to take action—invest in literacy promotion and education initiatives that make reading accessible to all members of society. Whether it’s through supporting public libraries, funding literacy programs in schools, or advocating for policies that promote reading, we all have a role to play in building a stronger, more resilient economy.