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GMA declares transfer of Philippine Book Development Month from June to November

02/10/2008

Starting this year, Philippine Book Development Month (PBDM) will be celebrated in November of every year.

A nationwide yearly celebration of readership, book publishing industry development and literacy, the PBDM recognizes the important role of books and book publishing in the nation’s development.

Through Proclamation 1436, President Arroyo moved the celebration from June, which was former President Joseph Estrada’s choice in 1999. The change is expected to result in wider participation from the different sectors, especially students and teachers. June is not a particularly good time of the year for PBDM it coincides with the opening of classes and the rainy season. Observing PBDM in November is also consistent with the President Manuel L. Quezon’s original proclamation in 1936.

This annual celebration is spearheaded by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the leading company agency tasked to promote the love of books and reading. From its conception, the PBDM has been characterized by readership promotion through book fair, exhibits and storytelling sessions; and a consolidation of the different stakeholders of the publishing industry through forums, trainings, workshops and others.

Catering to the young and old alike, NBDB has pioneered book-related activities and contests through thndndndndnde PBDM. It has conducted manuscript fairs, contests on book illustration and photography, storytelling sessions, and literacy tours.