Manila, June 23 -- The city government is setting its sights on bringing back the love for reading following the launch of its first outdoor library at the Plaza Libertad on Monday.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas led the launch by reading a story and engaging in a short interaction with children from various daycare centers across the city.

In an interview, Trenas said he noticed a stark change in children's reading habits compared to the time before television, smartphones, and malls became prevalent.

"That's part of development. But we need to bring back the love for reading," he said, citing a Senate report on poor reading and comprehension performance among junior and senior high school students.

The mayor said he has been donatin...