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Every July, the Philippines comes alive with the vibrant National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) celebration. This year, on July 16, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will host various activities, including book fairs, performances, and storytelling sessions, to foster a love for reading among children. This annual event commemorates Dr. Jose Rizal’s “Un Mono y Una Tortuga,” which celebrates children’s literature and emphasizes the importance of nurturing young readers’ imaginations and literacy skills.
Honoring Literary Excellence
A highlight of National Children’s Book Day is the awarding of the prestigious PBBY-Salanga and PBBY-Alcala Prizes. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to children’s literature and illustration, respectively. The PBBY-Salanga Prize, named after renowned writer Alfredo Navarro Salanga honors exceptional works of writing that captivate young minds with compelling stories and enriching content. Meanwhile, the PBBY-Alcala Prize, named after the esteemed illustrator Larry Alcala, celebrates illustrators’ creativity and artistic prowess who bring these stories to life through their vivid and imaginative artwork.
This year, the CCP will host a special ceremony to celebrate the winners and honor their contributions to Filipino children’s literature. These awards recognize individual talent and underscore the importance of creating high-quality literature that resonates with children and helps shape their perspectives and values.
A Day of Literary Delights
National Children’s Book Day is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a full-day event with activities designed to engage and inspire young readers. Book fairs are a central feature, offering children’s books from various genres and authors. These fairs provide a unique opportunity for children to explore new stories, discover their favorite authors, and purchase books that ignite their imaginations.
In addition to book fairs, the day features performances and storytelling sessions that bring stories to life. These performances, often by talented actors and storytellers, captivate young audiences and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling. Storytelling sessions, in particular, are a favorite among children, as they offer an interactive and immersive experience that makes the stories more engaging and memorable.
Promoting a Culture of Reading
A significant aspect of National Children’s Book Day is its focus on promoting a reading culture among Filipino children. The event encourages donations of children’s books, collected during registration and distributed to needy communities. This initiative aims to provide access to quality reading materials for children who may not have easy access to books, fostering a love of reading and learning from an early age.
Moreover, National Children’s Book Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of reading literacy in the Philippines. The event creates a supportive community that advocates for the value of reading and its role in children’s development by bringing together authors, illustrators, educators, and families.
Looking to the Future: Enhancing Reading Literacy in the Philippines
National Children’s Book Day continues to grow in popularity and impact, but it remains a crucial initiative in enhancing reading literacy in the Philippines. The celebration highlights the rich tradition of Filipino children’s literature and addresses the challenges and opportunities in improving literacy rates among young Filipinos.
Reading literacy is a fundamental skill that empowers children to succeed academically and in life. By fostering a love for reading through engaging activities and access to quality books, National Children’s Book Day contributes to building a literate and informed society. The event emphasizes storytelling, artistic expression, and community involvement, creating an environment where people view reading as a joyful and enriching activity.
In conclusion, National Children’s Book Day is a testament to the power of literature in shaping young minds and promoting a culture of reading. As we celebrate this particular day, let us recognize the importance of nurturing young readers and supporting initiatives that enhance reading literacy in the Philippines. By doing so, we invest in the future of our children and the nation, ensuring every child can discover the magic of books and the joy of reading.
