Walt Disney once said that “there is more treasure in books than in all the pirate‘s loot on Treasure Island.” Indeed, the greatest treasures are not measured in gold but in the ideas and wisdom that books contain. They guide teachers as they shape lessons, and they help students understand the world around them. A book, once opened, becomes a companion for curiosity and learning.
Yet for many Filipino students, this treasure remains out of reach. Our public school system continues to struggle with chronic shortages of textbooks and learning materials. Students often share limited copies or rely on photocopied pages. Meanwhile, in private schools, textbooks purchased each year often end up stored and forgotten once the academic year ends. These unused books—still rich in knowledge—remain idle, while many young learners across the nation lack even the most basic references.
A book hidden away cannot enlighten. Its purpose is fulfilled only when it reaches a reader who needs it. Our family long believed that knowledge grows when shared. This belief inspired us to donate our three-generation set of Encyclopedia Britannica to the University of Caloocan City (UCC) in 2013. With the collective approval of the nine Chua siblings, and through the ceremonial turnover led by Leonardo Chua, the “Share a Book, Bless a Life” advocacy was born. This was done with the support of University President Cesar Chavez.
The following year, UCC learning advocates launched a campus-wide book drive inspired by this donation. The response was extraordinary. In just one semester, more than 16,000 books were collected from students, faculty, and staff. These books, now part of the UCC library‘s growing collection, continue to serve thousands of learners—a testament to the power of a community united by a shared purpose.
The Christmas Season: A Time to Share and a Time to Hope
In the Philippines, Christmas is more than a holiday; it is a season of compassion, generosity, and the enduring spirit of bayanihan. During this time, families and communities search for meaningful ways to extend kindness. In this spirit, sharing a book becomes a powerful Christmas advocacy, for giving a book means giving hope. It empowers a learner who may otherwise have no access to quality reading materials. It allows a young mind to dream, imagine, and discover possibilities beyond their environment.
Sharing as Part of Filipino Culture and Patriotism
Sharing has long been woven into the fabric of Filipino identity. Whether through bayanihan, community drives, or simple acts of kindness, Filipinos instinctively respond to the needs of others. Sharing books continues this tradition. It reflects our belief that every child deserves a chance to learn and rise. It is also an act of patriotism, for education strengthens the foundations of nation-building. A well-informed, educated citizenry is essential for a democratic society. Books help young people develop critical thinking, empathy, and responsibility—qualities that shape better citizens and future leaders.
Being Role Models for the Youth
Every adult carries the responsibility of being an example in the eyes of the youth. Young people not only listen to what we say, but observe what we do. When adults practice generosity, value education, and contribute to the growth of others, these actions teach lessons far deeper than any textbook can. Sharing a book becomes a demonstration of character—showing the next generation that the true measure of a person is not found in what they keep for themselves, but in what they willingly share so others may succeed.
A Call Not to Lose Hope
The Philippines faces many challenges, and at times, hope may seem fragile. But every book shared restores faith in the future. It tells a child that someone believes in their potential. It assures a struggling student that they are not forgotten. It reminds communities that progress is possible. Sharing books is a quiet but powerful declaration that we refuse to give up on our youth or our country.
A Movement for the Nation
The “Share a Book, Bless a Life” advocacy need not remain confined to one household or institution. It can become a nationwide movement. Imagine barangays organizing Christmas book drives, offices adopting book-sharing programs, schools encouraging alumni participation, and families gathering gently used books as part of their holiday traditions. Millions of books sitting unused in homes could be placed in the hands of learners who desperately need them.
When Filipinos share books, they share blessings. They strengthen communities, nurture minds, and shape responsible, educated citizens. Most importantly, they help build a nation grounded in hope, learning, and compassion.
This Christmas, may we choose to be bearers of light and knowledge. May we share books that inspire, encourage, and empower. And may every book passed from one hand to another remind us that we are all builders of the future—one learner, one act of kindness, one blessing, and one nation at a time.
Special mention to the Chua family, Grandparents Mr. Chua Kai and Mrs. Rosa Tan, siblings Mr. Benedicto, Leonardo, Jose, Jesse, Violenta, Lilian, Alicia, Elsa and Mila. The original owners of the donated Encyclopedia by the Chua Family. The activity is documented in the FB page: Share a Book.
(Paul Chua, PhD, holds full doctoral degrees in Fiscal Management and Peace and Security, as well as a Master‘s in National Security Administration. He has completed executive programs in several countries, specializing in transport, migration, urban planning, and public policy, with emphasis on governance, innovation, and integrity.)
