Philippines’ Hooked on Books Program wins 2026 IBBY international award

LINKS Philippines’ Hooked on Books Program was recently announced as the winner of the 2026 IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award, besting eight other projects nominated by other national sections of the IBBY around the world. The announcement was made by Elisabetta Lippolis and Jane O’Hanlon, Co-Chairs of the IBBY Reading Promotion Jury, at the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Annual Press Conference held during the Bologna Children’s Book Fair on 13 April 2026. 

LINKS Philippines Hooked on Books Program was nominated by IBBY Philippines and offers a unique model that integrates literacy with creativity, civic engagement, and financial literacy. By combining Filipino-authored storybooks with storytelling, theatre, and values-based workshops, the programme provides disadvantaged children with culturally relevant literature, transforming reading into a joyful, empowering experience that fosters empathy, imagination, and civic responsibility.

For their winning project, LINKS Philippines will receive a cash prize of US$ 10,000 from Japan’s Asahi-Shimbun Media Group, along with a diploma which will be presented on 9 August 2026 at a ceremony taking place during the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa, Canada.

The IBBY–Asahi Reading Promotion Award, sponsored by The Asahi Shimbun, honors institutions and initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact on children’s reading. Meanwhile, the IBBY–iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award, established with the Shenzhen iRead Foundation, recognizes individuals who dedicate their lives to advancing reading for children worldwide. LINKS Philippines’ founding President and CEO Maria Consuleo Doble was also nominated under this category.

IBBY-Philippines warmly congratulates LINKS Philippines on this remarkable achievement!

To know more about IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award, please visit https://bit.ly/4e2EgQJ