The Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) condemned the banning of subversive books and literature in libraries.
In September, Kalinga State University, Isabela State University, and Aklan State University pulled out books authored by or related to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to supposedly "protect" the youth students from insurgent ideologies.
In a statement released Saturday night, Nov. 7, BDAP said the removal of books containing sensitive or challenging subject matters is "not only a clear violation of freedom in publishing, and freedom of thought, but also discourages critical thinking and empathy for one's environment."
To remove literature that explicitly accounts for Philippines radical thought, and other similar books, BDAP added, "will raise a future generation that is ignorant and subservient."
"When we ban certain books, we teach our young to retreat to silence when they need to speak. We push them to close their ears from fear when they need to listen. And we let them grow blind to what they should see," its statement read.
"If we are to progress as a nation, we need to read books grounded in the Filipino experience, all of it in its diversity and richness, with its long history. We must become independent thinkers and discerning, judicious learners. We must read other minds to be able to tell right from wrong," it further read.
BDAP also quoted University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano when he refused to remove "subversive" materials from the university library, "If we are afraid of books, then we have a problem."
Earlier, officials from the UP Diliman, educators, students, and community presses hit the removal of “subversive” documents and books from at least three state universities.