Books have taken a back seat to television and video games.

"But computers can’t teach a child how to read. The basic skills of reading always begin with books. Even Bill Gates has said that," says Harvey Keh of AHON Foundation.

The Acts of Hope for the Nation (AHON) Foundation seeks to develop public elementary libraries by donating books and reference materials, as well as mobilizing community participation in putting up functional, well-maintained, and child-friendly libraries nationwide.  AHON hopes to help put more books into 300 public school libraries that will benefit over one million students.

Last year, AHON, together with K.I.D.S. Foundation (the foundation established by actor Diether Ocampo), Campaigns and Grey, and Pizza Hut launched "Isang Milyong Aklat, Isang Milyong Pangarap". The campaign aims to raise one million books to benefit the poorest public schools in the country.

"Reading is a foundational skill that gives a child access to the world of information. More than just teaching children to read, it is absolutely crucial to impress on them the habit of reading," said Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus.

The alarming statistics reveal that two million Filipino students can’t read and more than 20 percent of public high school students cannot understand what they are reading.

In the High School Readiness Test (HRET) given by DepEd to first year high school students all over the Philippines, less than two percent are able to get a score of 75 percent or higher. And many public schools don’t have adequate public school libraries and enough books for students to read.

In order to inculcate a reading habit among the youth, access to reading materials is crucial. Public schools are mandated by DepEd to have a library or reading corner.

However, most public school libraries usually have donated books that contain obsolete data, the DepEd admits.

Realizing the significant role that books play in the formation of a child’s knowledge and values, AHON is focusing its efforts to giving its beneficiaries access to relevant learning opportunities by assisting the schools and communities in developing their libraries.

Since launching the project, it has already adopted eight public school libraries with quality books and other useful learning materials, with the support of local officials, parents, teachers, volunteers, and even the students themselves, who all contributed to the refurbishing of their libraries.

Meanwhile, the SM Foundation, Inc. recently launched its "Donate A Book" project for this year, which will run until April 30. The malls has set up kiosks for shoppers to give their books.

Aside from helping the DepEd address the problem on book shortage, the project, likewise, aims to improve functional literacy and enhance comprehension, communication and creative skills of the students and out-of-school youths, as well as develop interest for reading among the schoolchildren.

The books gathered from the drive will be distributed to the different public elementary and high schools, provincial and barangay libraries, and day care centers all over the country.

For the past years, the project was able to collect more than two million books from shoppers, tenants, schools and publishing companies.

If you would like to donate books (preferably reference materials, dictionaries, storybooks, novels and science books) or volunteer, email: isangmilyongaklat@gmail.com or visit www.ahonfoundation.blogspot.com. Drop boxes for your book donations are located at over 30 Pizza Hut, Pizza Hut Bistro, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen branches in Metro Manila.