On October 2025, Dale Asis visited the University of Rizal Pililla in Pililla, Rizal and saw the thousands of books donated to the university library over the past few years during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

University librarian Ana Capistrano-Martinez put together the donated books into a wonderful collection that the university students could enjoy and use for years to come. 

(pictured left to right: University of Rizal librarian Ana Capistrano-Martinez and Dale Asis)

The Bayanihan Foundation wishes to acknowledge the generosity of multiple donors, including Vicky Geaga, Robin Alexander, and Willard Dix, who sent thousands of books to the university library. Special thanks go to Lizabel Lozano, a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Bayanihan Foundation, who was instrumental in connecting the foundation with the university library. Lizabel’s family are also long-term residents of Pililla, Rizal.

Many thanks are also due to the numerous volunteers who packed the books, ensuring they arrived safely at the University of Rizal’s Pililla Campus. Most of all, we extend special appreciation to university librarian, Anna Capistrano-Martinez, for carefully receiving the books and for promoting the crucial goals of literacy, lifelong learning, and quality education. These book donations are also made in honor of the late Evelyn Castillo, the foundation’s long-time liaison, who initiated the initial contact and made this successful book donation possible.

University of Rizal Pililla Ana Capistrano-Martinez acknowledged that some of the books were also donated to the local community center in Pililla, Rizal extending the gift of reading and learning beyond the local university (see video below):