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.