In a bid to “read-back” to the community, bookworms of the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) have partnered with Books for a Cause (BFAC) for book donations to libraries in far-flung areas.

“Our employees are bookworms by heart, who have always loved to read since they were kids. We want to share that joy of reading and knowledge to more libraries in the country through the books that we will be sharing,” said ILS Executive Director Cynthia R. Cruz

Books For A Cause (BFAC) is an advocacy that aims to provide precious knowledge to every Filipino and increase literacy through continuous learning. The ILS, is the research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“This is our opportunity to “read-back” to our libraries that have been the source of learning and information for our employees, while they were still at school or here at work at ILS. We are happy to be working with BFAC on this advocacy that we are very passionate about,” said Cruz.

Explaining how the books were procured by the ILS, Cruz said the books are from her own collection, and from employees of the Institute who unselfishly gave their book collections after she called for donations. Cruz, an avid reader herself, reads at the minimum, six books a month.

“It is our pride and joy to be working with Books for a Cause, as ILS has always been a lover of books. We want to share that joy of reading to kids to school libraries across the country, particularly those in the far-flung areas that don't have access to books,” said Cruz.

Speaking at the book donation ceremony at the ILS office before Christmas, BFAC Managing Director Ramil E. Sumangil expressed his appreciation for the books donated by the ILS.

“We at Books for a Cause are happy that the Institute for Labor Studies has heeded our call for more book donations as more libraries around the country have been writing us for support through the donation of more books,” said Sumangil.

BFAC started in April 1, 2011 when Sumangil, its founder and managing director, was invited to speak before the graduating class of his alma mater - Baloy Elementary School, located 18 long-rough road-kilometers away from the Municipality of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija. Donations are accepted at www.booksforacause.net.

“From BFAC’s first donation in 2011, it has multiplied to several other donations for other schools in my hometown (Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija), Pangasinan, Laguna, Quezon, Palawan, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Taguig City and Payatas in Quezon City among others. Since we started we have been receiving more requests from different parts of the country,” said Sumangil.
In time for the Christmas season, the Institute for Labor Studies donated its first set of books this month. It is scheduled to give its second set of book donations early 2013.

The ILS is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. It has done pioneer research on youth employment and migration. ILS Researches on youth employment are available at their website at www.ils.dole.gov.ph.

(For more information on this press release please contact Ms. Linartes M. Viloria, Chief Labor & Employment Officer, Advocacy & Publications Division, Institute for Labor Studies, Telephone Nos.: 5273490 / 5273447)