REKO local books access is designed to address long-standing barriers in the Philippine literature industry by making Filipino-authored books more accessible through digital platforms.

Despite the vast knowledge available on the internet, the situation in the local literature industry is quite a different story, as access to knowledge and information remains limited even today.

“Many readers live far from bookstores, with no libraries nearby. Even when secondhand books were sold by the kilo, people still looked for Filipino-authored titles in Tagalog because they wanted something relatable. However, the supply was so scarce that these books sold out as soon as they became available,” explained Engr. Gia Santos, creator of REKO.

This is what motivated Santos to create REKO, an online reading platform for Filipino-authored eBooks. The platform offers digital access to local literature through personalized, AI-powered recommendations and seamless eBook streaming.

“As an engineer, I need to build solutions that are innovative. And when we dug deeper, we discovered bigger problems in the local literature industry that need solving,” the Sustainability Pitch Fest at the DOST-SM Prime Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX) 2025, held on August 30 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier, Engr. Gia Santos shared how REKO is redefining book access and promoting sustainable publishing in the Philippines

 Limited Access to Local Literature

Santos noted that only a few local titles are available in digital format. Most of the time, they are sold during special events like the Philippine Book Festival or the Manila International Book Fair because publishers only print when demand is predictable.

Santos explained that local authors and publishers face high printing and distribution costs, making traditional publishing expensive and unsustainable. Niche topics require substantial resources to reach specific audiences, while concerns about piracy hinder the shift to digital formats. Furthermore, the lack of reliable data limits their ability to forecast demand, track engagement, and understand market trends.

“These issues have social, cultural, and economic implications,” Santos emphasized. “Sustainability is not only about the environment—it’s also about access to knowledge and cultural preservation. Books should not be a privilege for a few; they should be accessible to everyone.”

She added, “we may not be a typical environmental startup, but sustainability is also about knowledge, access, and culture. By moving away from print-first systems to digital distribution, we reduce waste while ensuring Filipino stories remain alive, accessible, and impactful for future generations.”

Offering Digital Access to Filipino Literature

Santos envisions that “if there’s Netflix for films and TV shows, and Spotify for music, now there’s REKO for Filipino-authored eBooks.”

The platform launched in May 2025, and it is currently in beta testing with over 500 users and more than 200 titles available.

Like Netflix and Spotify, REKO uses a powerful recommendation engine to personalize book suggestions for each reader, making it easier for Filipinos to discover titles that match their interests. One unique feature even allows users to snap a photo of their bookshelf—the app will then automatically identify the books and recommend similar works by Filipino authors.

“This innovative approach addresses a common challenge— readers want to explore more local literature but often don’t know where to start,” Santos explained. SUSTEX, or the Sustainability Expo 2025, is a collaborative platform spearheaded by SM Prime, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and ARISE Philippines to advance science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions for a greener, more resilient future. Anchored on DOST’s four strategic pillars (human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability), SUSTEX brings together industries, innovators, and government leaders to accelerate the shift toward circular economy, low-carbon development, and climate resilience.

Written By Allan Mauro V. Marfal