PRESS RELEASE

RP Reads Pinoy in 12th Book Development Month
28 November 2008

For the whole month of November, the country, through the National Book Development Board (NBDB) celebrates the 12th Philippine Book Development Month through series of seminars, forums, and book fairs held in Manila and Cebu City.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Read Pinoy!”, the Board aims to uplift the competitiveness of the local book publishing industry through its creative sector, which could contribute to the economic growth of the country. Moreover, it encourages Filipinos to read Filipino-authored books and learn more about their own culture.

Event highlights include the Marathon Reading of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere; Writers’ Night, which will assist local authors publish their works abroad; poems, essays, and novel reading workshop; and the 27th National Book Awards held on November 15 at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

All activities in Manila were held at Filipinas Heritage Library Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City. Lectures in Cebu, scheduled from November 28 - 30 will be held at San Carlos University.

Originally, the Philippine Book Development Month is celebrated every June but was moved to November by President Arroyo through Proclamation No. 1436. This is to include the National Book Week in the celebration, which is being held from November 24 – 30.

The 12th Philippine Book Development Month is in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Filipinas Heritage Library, Ayala Malls, Yuchengco Museum, Manila Bulletin, Cebu Daily News, Anvil Publishing, Fuji Xerox Philippines, University of San Carlos, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., Galerie Joaquin, and National Book Store.