The National Book Development Board held a press conference to launch Philippine Book Development Month (PBDM) on November 4, 10 AM at Uno Morato Bookstore. The PBDM is a month long celebration, a high point being the 5th Philippine International Literary Festival and Book Industry Summit (PILF-BIS) which will be held on November 12, 13 and 14 at the Bayanihan Center, Pasig City.

Graciela M. Cayton, NBDB Executive Director, talked about the history of the Philippine International Literary Festival and the yearlong efforts of the NBDB to address the issues of book publishing.

Flor Marie Sta. Romana Cruz, NBDB Chair, presented the theme of the PILFBIS which is “The Pressing Issue: Sustainable Publishing Amidst ASEAN Integration.” Some pressing issues that will be addressed during the PILF-BIS are sustainable business practices, book distribution models, title acquisition, and reading programs.

Patrick Jocson, Yabang Pinoy Advocate, discussed promoting Filipino talent in the book industry and in other related industries like craft and food.

Nida Ramirez, Organizer of Aklatan: All-Filipino Book Fair said that Aklatan is committed to highlighting local books that might otherwise be overlooked in most bookstores where local books are not prominently displayed.

Paolo Chikiamco, Organizer of ReaderCon, gave his views on the role of readers in celebrating books and literature.

Alvin Bonn Buenaventura, FILCOLS Executive Director, emphasized the importance of promoting creators’ rights.

Camille V. Dela Rosa, NBDB Deputy Executive Director, moderated the open forum that followed the presentations.

The PILFBIS is structured to address industry players on the first day, writers and creators on the second day, and readers on the third day. All sessions on the third day are co-presented by ReaderCon.

The Aklatan: All Filipino Book Fair will be held on all the three days. All books will be discounted.

The NBDB recognizes that there is a need to conduct an annual celebration to focus national attention on the important contribution of books. For more information on the PILF-BIS, contact Camille Martinez through email cncmartinez@nbdb.gov.ph or visit our blog pilfbis2014.wordpress.com