Position Paper of NBDB on the Proposed Repeal

Note: Copied from the NBDB website and reposted here primarily for information only of librarians who will be similarly affected by the proposed repeal of the Section 12 of RA 8047 and "to stay vigilant and continue speaking out against it.". Please refer to the original position paper for any updates/correction, if any. Thanks.

POSITION PAPER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD ON THE PROPOSED REPEAL OF SECTION 12  OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8047 OR THE BOOK PUBLISHING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ACT 

BACKGROUND

The “Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities,” or “TRABAHO” under House Bill No. 8083 has just been passed in the House of Representatives. Now pending before the Senate is the “Corporate Income tax and Incentives Reform Act” under Senate Bill No. 1906.

Both Bills propose, among others, to repeal Section 12 of R.A. 8047 which provides tax incentives for book development.

Section 12 of R.A. 8047 which consists of two (2) tax incentives expressly provides the following:

“SECTION 12. Incentives for Book Development. Persons and enterprises engaged in book publishing and its related activities duly registered with the National Book Development Board shall be entitled to the applicable fiscal and non-fiscal incentives as provided for under Executive Order No. 226, otherwise known as the Omnibus Investment Code, as amended, subject to the qualifications and requirements set by the Board of Investments (BOI); Provided, That book development activities shall always be included in the Investment Priority Plan (IPP).

“In the case of tax and duty-free importation of books or raw materials to be used in book publishing, the Board and its duly authorized representatives shall strictly monitor the quality and volume of imported books and materials as well as their distribution and the utilization of the said imported materials.

“The Board shall also recommend to the proper prosecuting agencies any violations of the conditions of the duty-free importation. Books, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, including book publishing and printing, as well as its distribution and circulation, shall be exempt from the coverage of the expanded value added tax law.”

While the National Book Development Board (NBDB) recognizes the intention of the honorable proponent to expand the tax base , repeal of tax incentives under the abovementioned law disregards the long-established principle embodied in the Florence Agreement.

Hence, NBDB respectfully opposes the passage of the Bill insofar as the proposed repeal of the tax incentives provisions on book publishing is concerned.

DISCUSSION

The exemptions from tax and customs duty importation of books or raw materials for book publishing and from the coverage of the e-vat should not be repealed.

The National Book Development Board, being the government arm in the development of the book publishing industry in the country, supports its stakeholders more specifically through the enjoyment of applicable fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, and the e-vat under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended.

Violation of the Florence Agreement

Senate Bill 1906 and House Bill 8083 run in conflict with one of the objectives of the National Book Policy under the Book Publishing Industry Development Act which is to reaffirm and ensure the country’s commitment to the UNESCO principle of free-flow of information and other related provisions enshrined in the Florence Agreement and in other similar international agreements .

When the Philippines signed the UNESCO Florence Agreement in 1952, the Philippines has moved towards the abolition of trade barriers that impede free-flow of information between and among contracting states.

The Florence Agreement provides further that the contracting States undertake the following:

“(a) Continue their common efforts to promote by every means the free circulation of educational, scientific or cultural materials, and abolish or reduce any restrictions to that free circulation which are not referred to in this Agreement;

(b) Simplify the administrative procedure governing the importation of educational, scientific or cultural materials;”

xxx

It can be observed from the foregoing obligations that the Philippines is committed to abolish or reduce any restrictions to the free-circulation of materials. Imposing certain conditions on the items that are supposed to be enjoyed unconditionally will violate the said obligations.

The general provisions on the availment of tax incentives under this bill directs the Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA) to apply for evaluation and review by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) . It would negate the inclusion of book development activities in the Investment Priority Plan (IPP) and will eliminate the legal basis for support of persons and enterprises engaged in book publishing and its related activities.

Lost of Opportunities in the Local Book Printing Industry

The Tax and Duty-Free Importation (TADFI) of raw materials is open to all NBDB-registered book publishers, book printers, and book industry associations (collectively known for this purpose as “importers”). These clients resort to the importation of raw materials for book publishing such as book covers, other types of papers, and inks in order to:

1. acquire raw materials at a cheaper price;

2. lower the total cost of book production; and

3. acquire raw materials which are not locally available.

Removal of the incentives would force the book publishers to print/publish their books abroad only to be imported thereafter and to be taxed duty-free. As a business decision, this can be logical. However, the local book printing industry would be vulnerable and would lose opportunities.

Unaffordability and Inaccessibility of Books

The NBDB is mandated by law to ensure, among others, affordability and accessibility of books for all segments of the population, and to promote readership.

In the 2017 Readership Survey which was recently conducted by the NBDB in partnership with the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI), records show the vital role of books in the education and learning of both young and adult readers. This result reveals that most of the respondents depend on reading as a tool in their respective professional development and goal.

Another aspect of the Survey reveals that majority of the respondents, both young and adult, read storybooks and picture books and are willing to spend on books as much as P199.00 pesos.

Section 12 of R.A. 8047 consists of two (2) tax incentives as follows:

1. Tax and duty-free importation of raw materials for book publishing; and

2. Exemption from the expanded value-added tax.

Should this provision be repealed, the customs duty paid in the importation of raw materials and the amount incurred in the payment of the value-added tax would have to be added to the cost of book production, which costs would eventually be passed on to buyers by adding the cost to the book price upon reaching the market. This scheme will greatly affect the willingness and capacity of readers to spend on books considering its high cost.

PRAYER

To give life and meaning to the Constitutional pronouncement in the promotion of quality education , various statutes affecting the book publishing industry as a whole should preserve and continue to support the free-flow of information pursuant to the Florence Agreement and its protocol.

Thus, the NBDB respectfully requests the Honorable Members of the Senate to consider book development activities in the Strategic Investments Priority Plan to the passage of the “Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act,” by preserving the tax incentives under Section 12 of R.A. 8047.

Respectfully submitted,

(signed)

FLOR MARIE STA. ROMANA-CRUZ

Chairperson

National Book Development Board

Unit 2401 Prestige Tower, F. Ortigas, Jr. Road,

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Copy furnished:

Sen. VICENTE C. SOTTO III
Office of the Senate President
Senate of the Philippines
Pasay City

Sen. PAOLO BENIGNO AGUIRRE AQUINO IV
Chairperson, Committee on Education
Senate of the Philippines
Pasay City

Sen. JUAN EDGARDO MANALANG ANGARA
Senate of the Philippines
Pasay City

Atty. RODELIO T. DASCIL
Director General
Senate Tax Study Research Office
Room 524 Senate of the Philippines
Pasay City

PDI Editorial : Wanted More Public Libraries

EDITORIAL

Wanted: More public libraries

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:16 AM October 07, 2018

Excerpts:

A 2017 Readership Survey by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) shows that, contrary to conventional wisdom, an overwhelming majority of Filipinos — 80 percent of adults, 93 percent of children — continue to read nonschool books.

These findings are a resounding validation of the need for more state-subsidized libraries across the country, where ordinary citizens, especially young people, can access books and publications at no cost to them.

Building such centers of learning — and sustaining them as adequately supported, well-furnished and easily accessible community hubs — seems the obvious way to make books more easily and widely available. Reading, after all, is fundamental to functioning well in society. Filipinos are hungry for books, and the more they are able to read (beyond social media), the better for the country.

Click HERE to read the complete PDI editorial. Thanks PDI.

Highlights of the 2017 NBDB Readership Survey

Dr. Dennis Mapa, dean of the UP School of Statistics, and his team conducted a readership survey on behalf of the NBDB from May to June 2017, and covered a total of 2,400 respondents nationwide, except for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He presented the results of the 2017 NSDB Readership Survey last September 28, 2018 at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. 

Click HERE to view/download the ppt of Dr. Dennis Mapa showing the highlights of the readership survey.

Rappler article: 2017 Readership Survey

Posted below is the fulltext of the article appearing at the Rappler website about the result of the 2017 Readership survey of the NBDB done with the UP School of Statistics. Reposted here in the tradition of library "news clipping" of important news about a certain topic to aid researchers/readers/librarians on the hot topic of the day. Readers are advised to refer to the original article for any updates or any reader comments posted to this article. Thank you Rappler.

Filipinos barely know if there are libraries near their homes

Sofia Tomacruz

Published 8:55 PM, October 01, 2018

Updated 3:30 PM, October 02, 2018

Only 1 of 10 Filipinos aged 18 years and above borrows books from libraries, according to the 2017 National Book Development Board readership survey

MANILA, Philippines – The 2017 National Book Development Board (NBDB) readership survey showed that majority of Filipinos are not aware if there is a library near their residence – only 1 out of 10 does.

The sad truth is you hardly see a library in your barangay (village).

Dr Dennis Mapa, dean of the School of Statistics of University of the Philippines, said only 11% of Filipinos aged 18 years and above borrowed books from libraries. Mapa and his team conducted the readership survey on behalf of the NBDB.

“You have a low level of awareness in particular, so if you borrow a book, for example, where do you borrow it? Baka walang barangay library (maybe there’s no barangay library),” Mapa told Rappler on the sidelines of a forum on the survey’s results Friday, September 28.

Mapa said awareness of libraries was particularly low in the barangay level, with only 12% of respondents answering they knew of the presence of a library in their area.

Meanwhile, less than half of Filipinos in cities and municipalities had no clue. Results showed about 41%, or 2 of 5, were aware if any sort of library was present nearby where they lived.

As a result, majority of Filipinos were more likely to purchase or acquire books by borrowing from families, relatives, or friends. Such was the case for 37.74% of respondents 18 years old and above.

Following this option, Filipinos were more likely to have received books as gifts or by buying it themselves from bookstores.

Why this matters: NBDB Chairperson Flor Sta Romana Cruz said libraries are important in ensuring all Filipinos have access to books. (READ: How community libraries can change lives)

NBDB Chairperson Flor Sta Romana Cruz said libraries are important in ensuring all Filipinos have access to books.

“That (libraries) would answer the question of acessiblity, availability, affordability. If they cannot afford, at least they can go to their barangay-level library,” Cruz told Rappler.

But whether or not access was linked to individual’s awareness or the actual presence of a library would need further research, Cruz and Mapa said.

Data from the National Library of the Philippines showed there were about 1,416 libraries affiliated with the government agency as of 2016.

Meanwhile, Cruz suggested local government units should also consider funding the construction of libraries as social spaces and venues of learning for its residents. 

The NBDB readership survey was conducted from May to June 2018 and covered a total of 2,400 respondents nationwide, except for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. – Rappler.com

37th National Book Awards Finalists

The 37th National Book Awards Finalists (Best books published in the Philippines in 2017). The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) are pleased to announce the shortlisted nominees of the 37th National Book Awards.

The following books are worthy addition to our Filipiniana library collection.

See the complete list HERE at the fb page of the National Book Development Board.

2017 NBDB Readership Survey Result

 The Readership Survey is a project of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) in partnership with the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI). This is the fourth in the series; past surveys were conducted in 2003, 2007, and 2012.

Info & graphics source: NBDB fb page. Thanks.

Call for Nominations : National Book Awards

On its 37^th year, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) are pleased to announce the opening of the National Book Awards (NBA).

We are inviting all NBDB-registered publishers and self-published authors to submit their nominations for the best books published by Filipinos in 2017.

Deadline for submissions is 6 July 2018, (Friday), at 5:00 p.m. Nominations mailed from outside Metro Manila will be accepted if postmarked 6 July 2018.

A book is eligible if it complies with all of the following:

i. has an ISBN;

ii. published by an NBDB-registered publisher or self-published by an NBDB-registered author (valid until April 30, 2019); and

iii. published in 2017 (if in Filipino or English) or from 2015 to 2017 (if in Meranaw).

For complete information, please see the 2018 NBA Nomination/Selection Criteria

Info source: NBDB website

Call for Nominations: 36th National Book Awards

Info Source: NBDB website

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) are pleased to announce the opening of the 36th National Book Awards.

All NBDB-registered publishers and self-published authors are invited to submit their nominations for the best books published by Filipinos in 2016. Deadline for submission is May 31, 2017, (Wednesday), 5:00 pm. Nominations mailed from outside Metro Manila will be accepted if postmarked May 31, 2017.

A book is eligible if it complies with all of the following:

i. has an ISBN;

ii. published by an NBDB-registered publisher or self-published by an NBDB-registered author (valid until April 30, 2018); and

iii. published in 2016 (if in English or Filipino) or from 2014 to 2016 (if in Waray).

For complete information, the 2017 National Book Awards Nomination/Selection Criteria can be downloaded here.

Among the revisions in this year’s guidelines are the following:

· Young adult and children’s literature entries are excluded from the awards;

· NBDB-registered authors may nominate independently only self-published titles with ISBN;

· Titles submitted this year may only be in the following languages: English, Filipino, and Waray;

· Titles nominated for the Graphic Literature category will not be categorized according to language;

· Publishers of titles chosen as finalists shall be required to submit an additional two (2) copies of the books to the NBDB.

Steps in nomination:

1. Accomplish a letter of nomination (see template here) and nomination form (download here) and email to ppd@nbdb.gov.ph.

(Subject Line: 2017 National Book Awards – Nomination)

2. As supporting document, attach evidence of agreement by the author. This can be a conforme signed by the author* (see conforme template here) or a notarized warranty/affidavit by a responsible officer of the publishing house stating that permission from the author* whose work is nominated has been obtained (and affidavit here).

*For titles nominated for Anthology, replace “author” with “editor.”

*For titles nominated for Translation, replace “author” with “translator.”

4. Attach a copy of NBDB Certificate of Registration;

5. Provide eight (8) copies of each book;

6. Submit all requirements to:

Office of the Executive Director

National Book Development Board

Unit 2401 Prestige Tower, F. Ortigas Jr. Road,

Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City

Subject: The National Book Awards 2017

For the succeeding years of the NBA, the following are the regional languages to be featured:

2018 – Maranao; and

2019 – Maguindanaon.

For further inquiries, please contact the NBDB Secretariat through Debbie or Gretel at telephone number (02) 929-3887 local 804 or e-mail ppd@nbdb.gov.ph.

8th Philippine International Literary Festival

Philippine International Literary Festival

April 27-28, 2017

Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City

Register at:

 https://docs.google.com/a/nbdb.gov.ph/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjJn3djnZfpl9-UQzxILrf09kaGIfsZzh5utbPWc90YpCQcQ/viewform

World Book and Copyright Day

Bookwatch vol. 19 no. 4 (2016)

Bookwatch Vol. 19 No. 4 is now available for download. Visit http://nbdb.gov.ph to get a copy.

Call for Nominations: 2016 National Children’s Book Awards

From the NBDB website:

Now on its 4th year, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Philippine Board on Books for the Young (PBBY) will present the National Children’s Book Awards on July 2016. The NCBA will give honor to the best books for children and young adults (0-19 years) published during the years 2014 and 2015.

The National Book Development Board is now accepting nominations for the National Children’s Book Awards (NCBA).

All publishers, authors, and illustrators are encouraged to submit their nominations. Deadline for submission is February 12, 2016, Friday, 5:00 pm. Nominations mailed from outside Metro Manila will be accepted if post marked February 12, 2016.

A book is eligible if it complies with all of the following:

1. Published in the Philippines by an NBDB-registered publisher within the two (2) years preceding the year of selection;

2. Authored by a Filipino citizen;

3. Written in Filipino or English; and

4. Released to the public in the eligible year.

Steps in nomination:
1. Fill out the following:
i. Form 1A (if there are 3 or less entries/nominees); or
ii. Form 1B (if there are more than 3 entries/nominees).

2. Attach any one of the following:

i. Delivery receipt/s to a bookstore, or a dealer/jobber, or any similar entity that has the ability to distribute books to the public; or

ii. A donation to a school or library, which need not be formally accepted in an instrument by the beneficiary. It is enough that the donation is received, acknowledged and/or certified by the beneficiaries of said donation in writing; or

iii. Distributed in bookstores or entities that sell the book, including online stores, proof of which should be provided; or

iv. Produced/printed by a book facility/entity, as shown by a document that said book has been produced in quantities consistent with the act of publication. It is, however, understood, that the specific number of copies shall not be part of the criteria to determine the books to be selected for the Awards; or

v. A consignment agreement with a bookstore or outlet or a sales report.

3. Attach a copy of NBDB Certificate of Registration;

4. Provide us seven (7) copies of each book;

5. Submit all requirements to:

The Executive Director
National Book Development Board
Unit 2401 Prestige Tower, F. J. Ortigas Avenue,
Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City
Subject: The National Children’s Book Awards 2016

For further inquiries, please contact the NBDB Secretariat through Mr. Ryan Esteban at telephone number (02) 929-3887 local 804 or email ryan.esteban@nbdb.gov.ph.

The text of General Guidelines is available here .

During the 3rd National Children’s Book Awards held in 2014, four books were chosen as Best Reads of 2014 and two books were given special awards from over 140 books nominated.

The following are books recognized as Best Reads in 2014: 

Author: Weng D. Cahiles

Illustrator: Isa N. Natividad

Publisher: Adarna 

Author: Raissa Rivera Falgui

Illustrator: Fran Alvarez

Publisher: Adarna House, Inc.

Author: Felinda V. Bagas

Illustrator: Aldy C. Aguirre

Publisher: Adarna House, Inc.

Author: Xi Zuq

Illustrator: Dominic Agsaway

Publisher: Adarna House, Inc.

34th National Book Awards Winners

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) are pleased to announce the winners of the 34th National Book Awards (NBA). Below is the list of NBA winners for books published in 2014: 

LITERARY DIVISION

FICTION CATEGORY – NOVEL

(English Language)

Dwellers, by Eliza Victoria, Visprint, Inc.

FICTION CATEGORY – NOVEL

(Filipino Language)

Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon, by Edgar Calabia Samar, Adarna House, Inc.

FICTION CATEGORY – SHORT STORIES

(English Language)

Wonderlust, by Nikki Alfar, Anvil Publishing Inc.

NONFICTION CATEGORY

(English Language)

Ramon Obusan, Philippine Folkdance and Me, by Kanami Namiki, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

ESSAYS CATEGORY

(English Language)

Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami, by Rey Ventura, Ateneo de Manila University Press

ESSAYS CATEGORY

(Filipino Language)

iStatus Nation, by Joselito Delos Reyes, Visprint, Inc.

ANTHOLOGY CATEGORY

(English Language)

Agam: Filipino Narratives on Uncertainty and Climate Change, edited by Regina Abuyuan, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities

ANTHOLOGY CATEGORY

(Filipino Language)

Ang Labingtatlong Pasaway, by Jun Cruz Reyes, Visprint, Inc.

LITERARY CRITICISM/LITERARY HISTORY CATEGORY

(English Language)

The Postcolonial Perverse vol. 1, by J. Neil C. Garcia, The University of the Philippines Press

LITERARY CRITICISM/LITERARY HISTORY CATEGORY

(Filipino Language)

Talab: Mga Sanaysay sa Wika, Panitikan, at Pagtuturo, by Rebecca T. Añonuevo, Ateneo de Naga University Press

POETRY CATEGORY

(English Language)

Hidden Codex: Fictive Scriptures, by Jose Marte A. Abueg, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

Time's Enchantment and Other Reflections, by Marne Kilates, Ateneo de Naga University Press

POETRY CATEGORY

(Philippine Language except Hiligaynon/Kinaray-a)

Kundiman sa Gitna ng Karimlan, by E. San Juan, The University of the Philippines Press

POETRY CATEGORY

(Hiligaynon/Kinaray-a Language) 

Tikum Kadlum, by Federico Caballero and Alicia P. Magos, The University of the Philippines Press

GRAPHIC LITERATURE CATEGORY

(English Language)

Rodski Patotski: Ang Dalagang Baby, by Gerry Alanguilan (story) and Arnold Arre (illustration and color), Meganon Comics Publishing House

GRAPHIC LITERATURE CATEGORY

(Filipino Language)

Tabi Po (Volume 1), by Mervin Malonzo, Visprint, Inc.

GRAPHIC LITERATURE CATEGORY

(Wordless)

14 (Silent Comics) by Manix Abrera (writer and illustrator), Visprint, Inc.

TRANSLATION CATEGORY

Manila Synod of 1582: The Draft of Its Handbook for Confessors, translated by Paul A. Dumol, Ateneo de Manila University Press

NON-LITERARY DIVISION

FOOD CATEGORY

Country Cooking, by Michaela Fenix, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

SOCIAL SCIENCES CATEGORY

Rido: Clan Feuding and Conflict Management in Mindanao (expanded edition), by Wilfredo Magno Torres III (editor), Ateneo de Manila University Press

PROFESSIONS CATEGORY

The Adventures of a PR Girl, by Bettina Rodriguez-Olmedo, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

LEISURE CATEGORY

Buti Pa Ang Roma, May Bagong Papa, by Noreen Capili, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

ART CATEGORY

Journey of a Thousand Shuttles, The Philippine Weave, by Norma A. Respicio, National Commission for Culture and the Arts

SCIENCE CATEGORY

Birds of Cebu and Bohol Philippines, by Nilo Arribas Jr., Bobby Kintanar, and Raul Benjamin Puentespina, University of San Carlos Press

HISTORY CATEGORY

Sakdalistas' Struggle for Philippine Independence, 1930-1945, by Motoe Terami-Wada, Ateneo de Manila University Press

JOURNALISM CATEGORY

Vantage Point: The Sixth Estate and Other Discoveries, by Luis Teodoro, The University of the Philippines Press

DESIGN

Manila Synod of 1582: The Draft of Its Handbook for Confessors, design by Karl Fredrick M. Castro, Ateneo de Manila University Press

LANGUAGE STUDIES

Ambagan 2011: Mga Salita Mula sa Iba’t Ibang Wika sa Filipinas, by Michael M. Coroza and Galileo S. Zafra, The University of the Philippines Press

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR

Visprint, Inc.

Info source: NBDB post.

Philippine International Literary Festival

Info from NBDB website

The Philippine International Literary Festival (PILF), a landmark project of the National Book Development Board, has become a highlight of Philippine Book Development Month observed annually in November. The festival is NBDB’s way of celebrating literature and promoting best publishing practices through discourse on the issues of authorship and readership shaping the local book industry.

Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has been a major gathering for authors, illustrators, publishers, and literature lovers around the Philippines and beyond. In the past years, the Festival has featured such literary luminaries and publishing experts as Chris Abani, FH Batacan, Robin Hemley, Christopher Cheng, Juliet Grames, Noelle de Jesus, David Parker, Vikas Swarup, Tim Tomlinson, National Artists for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and Virgilio S. Almario, and Pulitzer Prize winners Junot Diaz and Edward P. Jones.

This year’s Philippine International Literary Festival is titled LALÁNG (likhâ): Writing in Place. Creating Your Place. How relevant is place in the creation and appreciation of literature? Does literature have to be reflective of geography? If a place can shape text/literature, can text/literature shape a place? This year the NBDB will bring the festival to Davao City, one of the country’s top historic, artistic, cultural destinations in order to engage lovers of literature from all parts of the archipelago in a series of discussions on Philippine literature and interactions with literary greats.

For the first time, NBDB will mount the Festival in Davao City, bringing together writers, illustrators, and publishing experts from various regions in the Philippines. The 6th Philippine International Literary Festival (PILF) also highlights the homecoming of several acclaimed Filipino writers including Mia Alvar. The Festival activities will include a plenary session and intimate conversation on Writing in Place with our guest authors. This event also brings regional literature to the fore, encourages the integration of diverse literature in all learning environments, and provides a venue for intimate discussion with literary idols. Festivalgoers will be able to attend talks on issues facing Philippine literature today: readership, language, and the publishing challenges faced by authors from the regions. Other activities will include artistic performances, literary exhibits, and a book fair.

This two-day affair will be held on November 20-21, 2015. Registration per day for the general public events is P100 for students and teachers, P300 for other professionals, including lunch and a festival kit. For online registration, please emaillitfest@nbdb.gov.ph with the subject line “SIGN ME UP FOR THE 6TH PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL” and the following information: full name, affiliation, and contact numbers.

Booklatan ng Bayan : 1st PUP Literary Festival

From NBDB website

On November 11 to 13, 2015, the National Book Development Board in partnership with Center for Creative Writing of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines is presenting Booklatan sa Bayan: The 1st PUP Lit Fest. Booklatan sa Bayan is a quarterly program of NBDB that aims to promote a culture of reading and lifelong learning among Filipinos.

This gathering intends to bring to students, teachers, and writers a series of discussions on creating and reading stories that have drawn crowds and made more Filipinos fans of locally-authored works, such as graphic novels, comics, young adult novels, and romance. Local authors and illustrators such as Edgar Samar, Mina Esguerra, Manix Abrera, Eros Atalia, and Beverly Siy are expected to share their knowledge on these significant aspects of the book publishing industry and Philippine literature. Aside from the talks and discussions, there will be a book fair and book signing sessions with participating authors.

The three-day event is open to authors, illustrators, publishers, students, teachers and lovers of literature. To register, contact Juliet Polvorosa at 929-3887 loc 814 or email her at jpolvorosa@nbdb.gov.ph.

_________

Just curious, Librarians are not invited (The three-day event is open to authors, illustrators, publishers, students, teachers and lovers of literature) in a program that aims to promote culture of reading and lifelong learning? An oversight?

Bookwatch 2015 Issues

BOOKWATCH is the official publication of the National Book Development Board.

Click HERE to read/download Bookwatch vol. 19 no. 3 (2015) issue.

Click HERE to read/download Bookwatch vol. 19 no. 2 (2015) issue.

Click HERE to read/download Bookwatch vol. 19 no. 1 (2015) issue.

ebooks : Charting the Future of Books in the Philippines

This 131-page report is a publication of the Book Development Association of the Philippines and downloadable at the National Book Development Board (NBDB) website.

Click HERE to read/download pdf copy of the ebook.

33rd National Book Award Winners

For Best Books published in 2013
Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel in a Philippine Language
Ang Banal na Aklat ng mga Kumag, by Allan N. Derain, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel in a Foreign Language
Fish-Hair Woman, by Merlinda Bobis, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino
Sa Himaymay ng Puso at iba pang Kuwento, by Macario Pineda,
Ateneo de Manila University Press

Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English
Now, Then, and Elsewhen, by Nikki Alfar, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

Best Anthology in English
Manila Noir, edited by Jessica Hagedorn, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Best Anthology in Bikol
Hagong: Mga Osipon, edited by Paz Verdades M. Santos and H. Francisco V. Peñones Jr.,
Ateneo de Naga University Press

Best Book of Non-Fiction in Filipino Language
Anim na Sabado ng Beyblade at iba pang Sanaysay, by Ferdinand Pisigan Jarin, Visprint Inc.

Best Book of Non-Fiction in English
Mona Lisa: A Portrait from the Memoirs of a Grandmother, by Celine Beatrice Fabie, Mona Lisa Publication

Best Book of Poetry in Filipino
Labi, by Kristian Sendon Cordero, Ateneo de Manila University Press

Philippine Literary Arts Council Prize for Best Book of Poetry in English
m’mry wire, by Ricardo M. de Ungria, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

Best Book of Poetry in Bikol
Canticos: Apat na Boses, by K.S. Cordero, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

Best Book of Graphic Literature in Filipino
PilandoKomiks Isyu 2: Mga Pagsubok ng Karagatan, by Borg Sinaban, Adarna House, Inc.

Best Book of Graphic Literature in English
The Dark Colony Book I: Mikey Recio & The Secret of the Demon Dungeon, by Budjette Tan, Bow Guerrero, and J. B. Tapia, Visprint

Best Translated Book
Doros asín mga Anghél: Translations in Bikol of John Donne’s Holy Sonnets and Selected Works,translated by Victor Dennis T. Nierva, Ateneo de Naga University Press

Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Art
Balay Ukit: Tropical Architecture in Pre-WWII Filipino Houses, by Maria Virginia Yap Morales,Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book in the Social Sciences

Tapping Ink, Tattooing Identities: Tradition and Modernity in Contemporary Kalinga Society, North Luzon, Philippines, by Analyn V. Salvador-Amores, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Book in History and Journalism
Story Book: Essays on the History of the Book in the Philippines, by Patricia May B. Jurilla, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Best Book on Food
Milk Pigs & Violet Gold: Philippine Cookery, by Bryan Koh, Holy Angel University Press

Best Book on Science
Science Philippines: Essays on Science by Filipinos, Volume II, edited by Gisela P. Padilla-Concepcion, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Design
Made of Gold, by Cid Reyes, designed by Aman Santos, Metrobank Foundation

Info source: http://nbdb.gov.ph/

Photo Ops with DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro

One year ago, STRLC officers sat down for a meeting with  DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro via an invitation relayed thru Ms Ana Maria B. Fresnido of DLSU-Manila. Also in attendance is the Chair of National Book Development Board, Ms Neni Sta. Romana Cruz and Ms Beverly G. Berame of DepEd Library Hub Project.

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