DepEd champions Filipino literature to boost national literacy

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

PASIG CITY, 12 March 2026 — Education Secretary Sonny Angara asserted that books are essential tools for enhancing the comprehension and skills of Filipino learners, as he formally opened the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2026 on Thursday.

The four-day festival staged by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Pasig City serves as the country’s premier showcase for Filipino- authored books and creative works.



“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.

"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 said DepEd has fast-tracked the delivery of textbooks to public schools through Early Procurement Activities (EPA), resulting in a massive 289 percent increase in approved textbook titles over the past year.

To sustain this momentum, PhP19.5 billion has been allocated for textbook production this year to move closer to a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio.

Angara said the NBDB also received PhP206.571 million for its budget this year to support authors and publishers and literacy-enhancement programs for the youth.

This year’s festival, which runs until March 15, includes interactive creative spaces such as Gubat ng Karunungan for workshops and masterclasses, and Lugar Lagdaan for author engagements.

An attached agency of DepEd, the NBDB was created in 1995 with the enactment of the Book Publishing Industry Development Act or Republic Act No. 8047 which was principally authored by Secretary Angara’s late father, Senator Edgardo J. Angara.

The NBDB serves as the country’s book authority, operating as the central agency for the publishing industry. It launched the Philippine Book Festival in 2023 to address long-standing gaps in the distribution and access to quality, affordable Filipino books.

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