The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Filipino-American community in the tri-state area are launching Read Philippines - a project that aims to develop greater awareness, interest and understanding of Filipino values, history and culture among children of Filipino descent, their friends, and the larger American community.

As initial steps of the project, Read Philippines will establish a collection of Philippine books in five pilot libraries in communities where huge numbers of Filipino-American children reside.

Why libraries? "Information on the Philippines should be within reach of our children, and their local and school libraries are the most logical and practical places to find them," Consul General Linglingay Lacanlale explained. "Access to materials is important. If materials are readily available, people would read up on the Philippines," she added.

The pilot libraries and their respective coordinators have been identified as follows: In Queens, New York: Elmhurst Public Library [Aida Bartolome: (718)565-8852 or Pacita Ros (718)845-3185]. In Jersey City: Five Corners Public Library [Lita Pea: (201) 432-2144 or Nimia Lacebal/Ellice Flores: (973)338-4668,]. In New Jersey: Passaic High School Library [Zenaida Almario:(973) 931-9234]. In Storrs, Connecticut: University of Connecticut Library [Ruby Abreu (203)357-7094].

"We hope that Read Philippines will spur a continuous and cooperative activity of replicating what we have done in the pilot libraries, and placing Philippine books in every library in the United States," the Consul General appealed. One way of doing so is the 'Bring A Book Back' option. Filipino-Americans are urged to bring back a book or two from their regular visits to the Philippines, for donation to their local libraries. Another way is to 'Adopt A Library.' Filipino-American organizations and individuals are encouraged to adopt their local public or school library, and be responsible for setting-up and maintaining the Philippine book collection there. Likewise, they could request their respective libraries to acquire books and other materials on the Philippines. They could also seek grants from the government and other institutions for the same purpose. Through volunteerism and cooperation, Read Philippines aspires to be replicated in other communities where Filipino Americans reside.

"Soon, when our kids go to their neighborhood library, they will not only read about Abraham Lincoln, but about Emilio Aguinaldo as well. We will ensure they know their JFKs as well as their Ninoys. After all, they are Filipinos too," Consul General Lacanlale said.

"We can all help put quality books about the Philippines and Filipinos in our libraries. From "Mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang," to "Noli Me Tangere" and "The 20 Speeches That Moved A Nation," to "Dive Sites of the Philippines," this initiative will help us teach our kids about their heritage. I invite the Filipino community to help build Philippine collections in their local libraries," the Consul General added.

Read Philippines accepts contributions in cash or in kind through the coordinators or the Philippine Consulate. Book donations may come from private collections, or may be bought brand new, based on a list of titles prepared by the Consulate. New books may be sourced from a bookstore of choice, or a number of Philippine book distributors in the tri-state area, such as Casa Victoria at (201) 798-0288 and Tatak Pilipino at (201) 798-0288, both located on Newark Ave., Jersey City, and The Philippine Cultural and Educational Services at (425) 646-9142, philces@earthlink.net. The list of recommended books may be viewed on www.pcgny.net or the Read Philippines brochure, which may be requested from the Read Philippines coordinators or the Consulate. Contributions are highly encouraged, especially from Filipino-American residents in the pilot communities.

The Philippine Consulate General will officially launch Read Philippines with a book shower on November 14, 2002 at the Philippine Center. Prospective donors are asked to either bring a book donation or draw a title from the lot that the Consulate and the coordinators previously identified for the project.

Initial contributions for pilot libraries will be received by the community coordinators, and the Philippine Consulate General, 556 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10036. For more information, please e-mail philconsulateny@mindspring.com or call: (212)764-1330 ext. 310: Agnes / ext. 601: Carissa.