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.

GROWING SUPPORT FOR BOOKS AND AUTHORS

As the government agency mandated to protect and enhance the growth of the local book industry, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) provides services, programs, and projects that cater to authors, illustrators, readers, publishers, book importers, and book distributors. These programs include Kapihan Sessions, consultative meetings for various stakeholders; Booklatan sa Bayan, a nationwide seminar-workshop series; the NBDTF, a writing grant; publishing fora, literary festivals, and book summits.

One of our major programs is the 6th PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL (PILF), an event spearheaded by the NBDB since 2010. This November, the PILF will be held in Davao City in order to accommodate a more diverse crop of authors and readers. Themed Laláng (likha), the NBDB’s PILF will highlight the relevance of “place” as inspiration, subject, or context of a writer and his/her literary piece. The panel discussions will range from concerns in literary discourse to lectures on publishing for aspiring writers. Stand by for more updates on our Facebook page and website (nbdb.gov.ph) in the coming weeks!

The NBDB also supports initiatives by both government and private organizations, no matter how small or big, which promote readership and authorship. Among these is the festival dedicated to promoting Filipino writers and books organized by RAFFLES MAKATI and NATIONAL BOOK STORE from August 28 and 30. The conference situates young and seasoned Filipino authors alongside literary celebrities Matthew Quick (The Silver Linings Paybook) and Meg Wolitzer (The Uncoupling, The Ten-Year Nap). This event provides a venue for authors to come together and engage with readers. For more information, please see the details in the poster below.