United Irigueños, Inc. (UI) launched its Books for Tots program in October 2007 in partnership with professional educators in the Philippines, the National Bookstore Foundation, Inc., parents of students and supporters. The project aims to deliver high-quality books to poor and deserving schoolchildren in the rural communities of the Philippines.

The Books for Tots project has been conceived and put into effect following initial survey which indicated that in Iriga City, Philippines during the 2007 school year, there were 14,500 elementary students in public schools but less than 7,000 English books.

Irigueños of Southern California initiated and designed the project which UI has promoted through its network. (more…)