By Noel Galon de Leon
This was the thought that came to mind this morning, March 13, 2025, as the doors officially opened for the four-day Philippine Book Festival (PBF). Organized annually by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the PBF is a celebration of Filipino literature, bringing together authors, publishers, and readers in one space. This year’s festival, held from March 13 to 16 at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, is not just a showcase of literary excellence but also a marketplace where the Department of Education (DepEd) procures high-quality educational materials for schools across the nation. While events like these are crucial for the book industry, they also highlight the gaps in our publishing landscape, one of which is the urgent need to cultivate and support more young publishers in the country.
Publishing is a vital part of a nation’s literary and cultural ecosystem. It is through publishers that authors find a platform for their voices, and readers discover works that challenge, inspire, and educate. However, the industry in the Philippines is still largely dominated by a few established publishing houses, leaving little space for young, independent publishers to thrive. This lack of diversity stifles innovation and limits the expansion of regional and multilingual publishing, which is crucial for a country as linguistically rich as the Philippines. We need a new generation of publishers who are willing to take risks, amplify underrepresented voices, and bring fresh perspectives to the literary world.
One of the biggest challenges in growing the publishing industry is its Metro Manila-centric nature. While hosting the Philippine Book Festival in SM Megamall makes it accessible to urban attendees, it excludes many potential readers, educators, and publishers from the provinces. The NBDB has made strides in supporting book fairs and literary initiatives, but more must be done to bring these opportunities to regional cities. Initiatives like the Iloilo Mega Book Fair, Dumaguete Literary Festival, and Cebu Literary Festival show that there is a hunger for literature outside of the capital. However, these efforts remain largely community-driven and lack significant institutional support. If the government truly wants to develop the publishing industry, it must provide more substantial funding and resources for regional publishers who work tirelessly to bring literature to local communities.
Expanding publishing opportunities in the regions would not only decentralize the industry but also encourage young publishers to create content in their native languages. The Philippines is home to over 170 languages, yet most books published in the country are still in English and Filipino, leaving many regional voices unheard. With the right support, we could see a rise in independent publishers translating local literature, creating educational materials in various Philippine languages, and documenting cultural narratives that are at risk of disappearing. More young publishers would mean more writers from diverse backgrounds getting published, leading to a more vibrant and inclusive literary scene.
However, young publishers face immense financial and institutional barriers. Printing costs are high, distribution networks are limited, and access to marketing platforms is often monopolized by larger publishing companies. The NBDB, DepEd, and private organizations must step in to provide grants, mentorship programs, and logistical support to young entrepreneurs in the industry. Instead of focusing solely on bulk book purchases for schools, the government should also invest in independent and small-scale publishers who are producing high-quality, culturally significant works that deserve wider recognition.
A major concern with events like the PBF is that while they celebrate Filipino literature, they also reveal an overemphasis on government book procurement. The DepEd’s bulk book purchasing program benefits educational publishers, but it sidelines other genres such as poetry, experimental fiction, and independent literary publishing. If the success of a book festival is measured only by the number of books purchased by government institutions, then literature that falls outside of traditional curricula may struggle to gain visibility. Young publishers, who are often at the forefront of experimental and alternative publishing, need better avenues for exposure beyond just government procurement.
Unlike the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), which has been a staple in the industry for decades, the Philippine Book Festival is still finding its footing. The question is: Will it evolve into a truly inclusive event that fosters young publishers and regional voices, or will it remain a government-driven book market? Its future depends on how well it adapts to the needs of a changing literary landscape, one that is increasingly digital, decentralized, and diverse.
If we want to build a strong, independent, and sustainable book industry, we need to invest in young publishers now. We need to encourage innovation, create funding mechanisms, and provide them with the tools to succeed. More young publishers mean more stories, more languages, more perspectives, and ultimately, more readers. The Philippine literary scene is brimming with potential, we just need to ensure that the next generation of publishers has the support they need to bring that potential to life.
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Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.
