Non-school book readership among Filipinos drops in 2023 –survey

Only less than 50% of both Filipino adults and children admitted to have ever read books or literature that are not required for school purposes, a commissioned survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) last year revealed.

Based on the survey contracted by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the adult readership was only at 42% in 2023, while that of children was at 47%.

This was a notable decline compared to the results of a 2017 survey which showed that the non-school book readership among adults was at a peak of 80%, while as high as 93% was recorded among children. This survey in particular was done by the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI), which used a different methodology.

The 2023 SWS survey also showed that more females (48% adults and 51% children) identify themselves as non-school book readers than males (37% adults and 43% children).

Respondents from Mindanao (56% adults and 57% children) and from economic classes ABC (51% adults and 66% children) also had the highest proportion of non-school book readers in both age groups.

Non-school books refer to books that are not mandated by educational institutions as part of their curriculum or primary reading materials. These books are typically read for their personal enjoyment, study, or information and are not directly related to academic activities or school requirements.

Both adults and children at 38% said that their top reason for not reading non-school books was there were other leisurely activities which they find more interesting. 

Next reason would be the difficulty for them to find time to read, the words are unfamiliar to them, and that no topics interest them.

Access to books also emerged as the primary reason for the drop in readership, with people having limited awareness of public libraries. Travel time and distance to public libraries were also cited as barriers to visits.

Twenty-three of the adult respondents also said that it would encourage them to read if the words used in books are familiar or easy to understand, while 25% of the children respondents said it would inspire them to read if more illustrations or pictures are in the book.

Seventy-four percent of the adults and 75% of children also said that their most favored reading material is printed books. The least favored material for adults is printed comic books (9%), while it is printed bedtime stories (10%) for children.

Both groups also expressed self-motivation as the primary source of encouragement for their reading habits.

NBDB chairperson Dante Ang II said that what should be realized is that there is a lack in mechanisms that would encourage Filipinos to read, and conditions that would create environments that are conducive to reading.

“How can children read if quality books are not readily accessible to them? How can they build a habit of reading if there are no libraries that are in distant proximity to their homes, if books are not affordable? If we recognize the issue of access as the root of this multifaceted challenge—one that requires a whole-of-nation approach—we will be able to forge a much clearer path towards a strong reading culture that encompasses all segments of the population,” he said.

The NBDB thus said it would try to address this problem through initiatives like the Book Nook project, Philippine Book Festival, and Booklatan sa Bayan, and by partnering with other reading advocacy groups.

The 2023 National Readership Survey was conducted from November 14-20, among 2,400 children aged 8 to 17, and 2,400 adults aged 18 and above. It has a margin of error of ±2%.—AOL, GMA Integrated News