NBDB's 'Sug-álaw' Conference Aims to Bridge Philippines' Reading Gap
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is set to host its annual Book Nook Conference in Iloilo City from August 20-22, 2025. Titled 'Sug-álaw: A Grand Encounter of Stories, Cultures, and Communities', the conference aims to tackle the Philippines' reading gap and foster collaboration in cultural production.
The three-day event will include a public reading event at Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz, demonstrating grassroots literacy efforts. Hands-on workshops will be held, focusing on sustainable reading spaces, digital platforms, and literacy programs. The conference seeks to formalize long-term strategies for underserved areas to become self-sustaining hubs of reading and culture.
NBDB envisions stronger regional networks working towards universal book access in the Philippines. The Book Nook Project, founded by NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade in 2021, aims to ensure book accessibility and protect Filipino cultures, languages, and literatures. The 2025 Book Nook Conference is seen as a manifestation of a movement to connect people through stories and ensure access to Filipino literature.
The 2025 Book Nook Conference in Iloilo City promises to be a significant event in promoting literacy and cultural preservation in the Philippines. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the conference hopes to create a lasting impact on reading communities nationwide.
