Big Bad Wolf founder shares why they pushed for Manila book sale to go on

The global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) slammed the brakes on a lot of highly-anticipated events in the Philippines, but the Big Bad Wolf book sale refused to be one of them.

The "World's Biggest Book Sale" just returned to Manila for the third time, this time with two million discounted books up for grabs at the World Trade Center.

FIRST LOOK INSIDE BIG BAD WOLF: Completely free of admission, anyone can avail of a 50% to 90% discount on 2 million books at the World Trade Center from February 14-24, 2020. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/B3AFeDfHoC

— Margaret Claire Layug (@MClaireLayug) February 13, 2020

During the opening ceremony on Thursday, Big Bad Wolf co-founder Jacqueline Ng personally thanked patrons and partners for continuing to support the Manila event, especially as there had been some talk about it not pushing through.

"Many people have been asking me why did this event go on in this time when the coronavirus [outbreak] is [going] on," she said during her speech.

But Ng emphasized that Big Bad Wolf stands for a mission, and that mission is "making books accessible for everyone."

"It's not just about readers. Of course, we get a very warm reception from people who love books. It's about how to convert a non-reader. It's about how to bring books to the hand of someone who could not afford it," Ng said.

READ: Everything you need to know before going to this year's Big Bad Wolf book sale in Manila

"Every country (and) every city strive for better education, better living standards for the people, we have to acknowledge that a simple item as a book could also go a very long way. That's what Big Bad Wolf is about. That's why we refuse to cancel the event. That's why we are here, and we really need all your support," she added.

Nevertheless, Big Bad Wolf is taking precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 such as temperature checking and installing sanitizing stations at the entrances.

Customers have also repeatedly been reminded to wear face masks and to practice proper handwashing.

SAFETY FIRST: The organizers of the Big Bad Wolf booksale in Manila are reminding visitors to wear face masks and sanitize amid the coronavirus threat in the PHL. They have alcohol and sanitizer available at the entrances of the World Trade Center @gmanews pic.twitter.com/HRiNXA6MuE

— Margaret Claire Layug (@MClaireLayug) February 13, 2020

Ng likewise emphasized during the interview that the safety of their patrons remains their top priority.

"I think the main thing is to assure our customers that we have taken steps to make them feel safe. I do also want to encourage everybody to take the basic precautions at this time until the issue is more under control," she told GMA News Online

READ: Inside the Big Bad Wolf booksale: 33,000 book titles at up to 90% discount, trinkets, and more

The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at the World Trade Center in Pasay City will be open 24 hours from February 14 to 24.

Aside from Manila, Big Bad Wolf has been to 33 cities in Malaysia and abroad, including Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea, Pakistan, Myanmar, UAE and Cambodia. —MGP, GMA News