Ayala Land Inc (ALI) has launched its latest advocacy program, “Open Book,” aiming to promote early childhood literacy and foster a culture of reading among young Filipinos.
The initiative seeks to gather at least 20,000 books through partnerships and community donations, significantly impacting communities and public schools nationwide.
The vision behind ‘Open Book’
ALI’s dedication to literacy is driven by the belief in reading’s power to inspire lifelong learning and develop future leaders. This vision is championed by Ayala Land senior vice president Mariana Zobel de Ayala and Ayala Corporation chief sustainability officer Jaime Zobel Urquijo who, as parents to young children, recognize the crucial role of early childhood literacy.
“Reading opens doors to endless possibilities and empowers children to dream big. Ayala Land sees an opportunity to transform libraries into dynamic community hubs that foster literacy and lifelong learning,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala. “Our vision is to create spaces that not only cater to children, youth, and adults but also adapt to the ever-evolving social, cultural, economic, and political landscapes.”
“Open Book” will transform Ayala Land Estates and Ayala Malls into vibrant literacy centers, featuring community libraries, reading nooks, and free libraries where people can leave and take books. A highlight of this initiative is the Open Book at Ayala Triangle Garden, developed with WTA and Instituto Cervantes.
It is also launching a book donation campaign to collect 20,000 books that will benefit kindergarten to grade 3 students in public schools within Ayala Land Estates and Ayala Malls communities.
“We believe in the transformative power of books. By donating, we can make a significant impact on the education and future of our young learners. We call on our partners and the community to join us in this important cause,” urges Jaime Zobel Urquijo.
Institutional partners include Big Bad Wolf, which has pledged 1,000 books, Biblio, and Ayala Foundation. The community is encouraged to donate children’s books, such as big books, levelled readers, decodables, and wordless books for kindergarten to grade 3 students.
ALI will organize book drives at its malls, featuring publisher pop-ups and bookstore collaborations. Online purchase options for bundled books will also be available, making it easier for individuals to contribute to the campaign.
As the 2024-2025 school year approaches, Ayala Land’s “Open Book” initiative stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering a love for reading and supporting young Filipinos’ educational journey. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, Ayala Land aims to make a lasting impact on the nation’s literacy landscape.
