Reading is the foundation of success and lifelong learning. But the brutal fact remains that a majority of Filipino students do not possess the ability and motivation to read as revealed by the study of Scholastic- Philippines. This proves that Mario Vargas Llosa, the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature 2010, is right in saying “Reading has  to be encouraged in the new generations, and young people especially have to be convinced that literature is not just knowledge, that literature is not just a way to acquire certain concepts or ideas, but as an extraordinary pleasure.” Truly, carelessness by one generation can produce untold damage on many generations to follow. The Pilar Reading Center aims to awaken the present generation of young people from a deep slumber. If it can get the youth to enjoy reading, the battle is half-won.

Pilar Reading Center (PRC) is a newly established Non-Profit Organization in Pilar, Sorsogon. It was formally opened to the public on July 25, 2010. It is composed of Pilariño youths in different categories- high school, college and Out-of-School Youth (OSY). Its vision is to be an arm of the town in creating awareness about reading and encouraging Pilariños to read especially the children and the youth.

How it came to be?

PRC is a product of ripple effect. It was started in five young people exchanging views, opinions and sharing books and other reading materials. After months of reading together, one thought was shared as to where the books will be kept. Williard Salgado convinced her grandmother, Lola Belen, to turn the vacant space in a reading center free of rent, and thus, the PRC came into being. The space occupied by PRC is an extension of the Lola Belen’s nipa hut built in stilts over the sea shore. It is fairly small for a reading center but well-maintained by the eager officers and members. With books neatly arranged and the its cleanliness maintained, the center is conducive for reading as well as for holding youth-related activities. Initially, it was baptized as Pilar Library, Pilar Mini-Library and Pilar Youth Zone, however, Prof. Ma. Victoria Olaguer, former BU Librarian, advised to consider it a reading center due to the limited number of books and materials available. After the name Pilar Reading Center was coined, it then came into service.