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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd highlights power of Filipino books to improve literacy among learners

DepEd highlights power of Filipino books to improve literacy among learners

Angara opens Philippine Book Festival 2026, pushes stronger literacy through books

Published Mar 12, 2026 05:10 pm
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara formally opened the Philippine Book Festival 2026 at SM Megamall, underscoring the role of books in improving learner comprehension as the government earmarks P19.5 billion for textbook production. (DepEd photo)
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara formally opened the Philippine Book Festival 2026 at SM Megamall, underscoring the role of books in improving learner comprehension as the government earmarks P19.5 billion for textbook production. (DepEd photo)
The Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening literacy among Filipino learners as Education Secretary Sonny Angara formally opened the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2026 on Thursday, March 12, highlighting the crucial role of books in developing students’ comprehension and critical thinking skills.
The four-day festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), is being held at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Pasig City and serves as the country’s premier showcase of Filipino-authored books and creative works.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Angara underscored the enduring value of printed books even as the education sector adapts to digital transformation.
“While we are moving forward toward digital transformation, we remain invested in what continues to matter—encouraging our learners to strengthen their literacy through books,” Angara said.
He emphasized that books play a vital role not only in education but also in shaping the identity of Filipino learners.
“Books serve as vital bridges connecting our learners to new knowledge and to their identity. Under the vision of President Bongbong Marcos, we continue to expand efforts to help students appreciate the power of books,” Angara added.
Textbook delivery accelerated
Angara also highlighted DepEd’s efforts to improve the availability of learning materials in public schools.
He noted that DepEd has accelerated textbook procurement through Early Procurement Activities (EPA), resulting in a 289 percent increase in approved textbook titles over the past year.
To further strengthen access to learning resources, DepEd said the government has allocated P19.5 billion this year for textbook production as part of efforts to achieve a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio in public schools.
Meanwhile, DepEd noted that the NBDB has received P206.571 million in funding for 2026 to support Filipino authors, publishers, and literacy programs aimed at young readers.
Celebrating Filipino books and creativity
Running until March 15, the Philippine Book Festival features various interactive and creative spaces designed to promote reading and writing.
Among the festival highlights are “Gubat ng Karunungan,” a space dedicated to workshops and masterclasses, and “Lugar Lagdaan,” where readers can meet and engage with authors.
The NBDB, an attached agency of DepEd, was established in 1995 through the Book Publishing Industry Development Act (Republic Act No. 8047). The law was principally authored by the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara, father of the current education secretary.
As the country’s primary book authority, the NBDB oversees programs supporting the Philippine publishing industry and the development of Filipino literature.
The Philippine Book Festival, first launched in 2023, aims to address long-standing gaps in the distribution and accessibility of quality and affordable Filipino books while strengthening the country’s reading culture.
Through initiatives such as the festival and expanded textbook programs, DepEd hopes to further promote literacy and encourage Filipino learners to rediscover the value of books in education and national identity.

Related Tags

DepEd Philippine Book Festival 2026 PBF 2026 DepEd literacy program Filipino books literacy initiative DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara NBDB
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