The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in collaboration with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), celebrates the National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) this July. This celebration is to embrace the transformative power of literature to fuel curiosity and ignite imagination among children
Central to this celebration are the prestigious PBBY-Salanga and PBBY-Alcala Prizes, which honor outstanding contributions to children’s literature through writing and illustration. This year, Eric R. Roxas received the esteemed PBBY-Salanga Prize for his captivating story Monina’s Many Moles, celebrated for its ability to engage and inspire young audiences.
Illustrator Marcus Vito Z. Nada has been awarded the illustrious PBBY-Alcala Prize for his exceptional artistic talent in enriching children’s literature with captivating visuals. Named after National Artist Larry Alcala, the PBBY-Alcala Prize recognizes illustrators who skillfully bring stories to life.
The NCBD celebration and awarding ceremony will take place on July 16, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP’s Blackbox Theater). The event will feature musical performances by Ginger Karganilla and Billy Joel del Rosario, a storytelling session by a Philippine Information Agency (PIA) puppeteer, and the launch of new children’s books. Aligned with the theme “Payapa ang Puso ng Batang Nagbabasa,” NCBD aims to foster a love for reading among children while celebrating Filipino children’s literature.
A book fair, “Payapa,” will be held at the venue’s basement level from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m,, featuring books from Aklat Alamid, Aklat Mirasol, Southern Voices Printing Press, Street Tales, and Supermaya.
To participate in the festivities, attendees are requested to donate a children’s book at the registration desk on the event day, with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. For the afternoon program, registration can be done via email at ccpintertextualdivision@gmail.com.
Books donated during the event will benefit Inspire the Children of Cavite and Balay-aralan of Muntinlupa.
National Children’s Book Day (NCBD), observed every third Tuesday of July, commemorates the publication of Un Mono y Una Tortuga (The Monkey and The Turtle) by Philippine hero Dr. Jose Rizal. This timeless tale teaches Filipino values and life lessons, illustrating the significance of storytelling in children’s emotional development and learning experiences.