The year 1998 saw the birth of Bible Readers Society of the Philippines (BREAD Society), a non-government, socio-civic, and youth-run organization aimed at stregthening the Bible readership in academic institutions. The founding members include the students City College of Manila headed by King Cortez, the incumbent president; Polytechnic University of the Philippines led by Leo Banasen, and the T
echnological Institute of the Philippines organized by Julius Leybag.The latter part of the year saw Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) rose swiftly as one of the most organized BREAD Society chapters. Dr. Manuel Pangilinan, the current chairman of the Board of Councils, Professor Jonathan Redonga of TUP, and Mr. Anthony “Jing” Rivera were some of the professors and professionals who helped and contributed to the initial advancement of BREAD Society. As reflected in its constitution and by-laws, the aim of BREAD Society is to “institutionalize Bible reading, studying, and putting it into constant practice, constantly uplifting the morality of the impaired image of the youth”. These are the noble mission why BREAD Society exists. The organization was first known for various namecalls: Truth Seekers Club and BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), to name a few. Then came 25 February 1999 when the name Bible Readers Society of the Philippines was registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the official name of the organization, that was after a unanimous decision of the general assembly was met. But just like the early Christians told in the Scriptures, the road that BREAD Society trailed through was not a paved one. The group experienced several hardships, trials and sacrifices, discrimination, delay, and worst of all, denial of recognition in some academic institutions. But considering its unquestionable legal basis and biblical foundation, BREAD Society has become one of the largest and fast-growing, non-denominational, and non-sectarian youth organizations today. It has gained respect and prestige in the academe and the professional world because of the continuous moral enrichment its members express. Imploring the aid of the Almighty God, BREAD Society was able to gradually penetrate through and somehow gain prestige and support from various academic institutions not only in Metro Manila but also to far and hard-to-reach provinces. In its endeavor of making the Bible known in these learning centers, BREAD Society launched different programs such as PASAWAY or Positive Action for the Spiritual Awareness of the Youth, and ASTIG or Awareness in the Spiritual Things to Institute Godliness. Both of which are packed with special activities. The organization conducted different activities for the propagation of the word of God such as symposia, Bible exhibits, Bible studies, and workshops. Moreover, the organization extended its hand not only to the academe but also to communities. BREAD Society spearheaded several activities for the benefit of our fellowmen like job fairs, medical-dental-legal missions, feeding programs, scholarship programs, and seminars. Because of its escalating responsibility and duties not only here in the county but also abroad, BREAD Society decided to register its name as an intercontinental institution. It was on March 2006 that the official name of the organization became Bible Readers Society International, with SEC registration number. BREAD Society witnessed how this world and its people turned to rust—its lifestyles, idealism, and perspective. The best solution we know is the “words of God which liveth and abideth forever” as written in I Peter 1:23. It is the incorruptible that can cease the process of corruption and decay. This is why BREAD Society is adamant and persisting in these principles. Students have the primary tool to prevent their selves from moral and spiritual corruption; they have the ability to read and comprehend. All they have to do is open the Holy Book and read the incorruptible words of God. The days the students spend inside the womb of their alma mater are also the days of their formation, getting them ready to exist in the next societal generation. And they, being able to read and understand, have no reason at all not to read the Scriptures. The Society members choose to live as Bible readers. For it is written in Revelations 1:3, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” BREAD Society tries to fulfill this prophecy until it becomes part of the Scriptures itself.
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