Philippines Expands Presence at World’s Leading Fair for Filipino Children’s Books

The Philippines returned to the world’s biggest children’s book fair this year with its largest presence to date, shining a brighter spotlight on Filipino children’s books and authors. The 2025 Bologna Children’s Book Fair welcomed a stronger, more confident delegation from the country, bringing more titles and a renewed focus on telling stories rooted in Philippine culture and experiences.

From 8 to 11 April, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) will gather 1,500 exhibitors from 90 countries and regions, including the Philippines. This year, the country’s publishers brought a fresh lineup of Filipino children’s books that reflect the creativity, resilience, and evolving identity of young Filipinos. These titles aim to connect with global readers while staying true to their local voice.

A Unified Push for Representation

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) led the Philippine delegation, strengthening its role as the main agency pushing for the development of the local publishing industry. With the theme “Philippine Children’s Books: More Fun and Meaningful,” this year’s participation highlights the country’s effort to secure a firm place in the international children’s publishing space.

NBDB Chairperson Dante Francis “Klink” Ang II emphasized the fair’s importance in boosting the global visibility of Filipino works. “We are here to elevate the standing of our creators and showcase the richness of our children’s literature,” Ang said.

NBDB brought 40 books from 17 publishers to the fair, representing a diverse collection of stories, illustrations, and themes that speak to both local and international readers. The selection aimed to demonstrate the depth and variety of Filipino children’s books currently being produced in the country.

The NBDB’s booth at the fair displayed these titles under the Philippine branding, creating a distinct and recognizable space for international visitors. Delegates also held meetings with foreign publishers to explore potential translation and co-publication opportunities.

Spotlight on Filipino Children’s Books

Filipino children’s books took center stage during the event. The NBDB made sure to position these works as ready for export and inclusion in international catalogs. Some of the titles on display tackled themes like environmental protection, family dynamics, resilience, and the importance of cultural heritage—all told through a Filipino lens.

The selection included new releases and critically acclaimed titles, reflecting the growth and confidence of the local industry. The featured books demonstrated how Filipino creators continue to raise the bar for quality, design, and storytelling that meets global standards.

NBDB’s Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade highlighted the value of investing in international rights selling. She said that Filipino authors and illustrators deserve a place in the world market, and events like BCBF serve as a gateway to make that happen.

Building Bridges Through Storytelling

Several Filipino publishers joined the NBDB delegation, including Adarna House, Tahanan Books, Lampara Publishing, and ABC Educational Development Center. These companies have consistently published some of the most well-loved Filipino children’s books over the years.

By presenting their works to an international audience, the publishers hoped to form partnerships that could bring Filipino stories to more bookshelves around the world. They shared their catalogues with literary agents, rights buyers, and editors, showcasing what the Philippine publishing industry has to offer.

The NBDB coordinated business-to-business (B2B) meetings throughout the fair, giving Philippine publishers direct access to global networks. This active approach aimed to transform visibility into real opportunities, such as translations, international distribution, and collaborative projects.

Reclaiming Global Space

The Philippine delegation returned to BCBF with more energy and a clearer strategy than in previous years. Their efforts focused on not just showing up—but standing out. They made the case for Filipino children’s books as worthy of attention, readership, and collaboration beyond local borders.

In past editions, the Philippines had already begun building a presence, but the 2025 delegation marked a turning point in the country’s publishing journey. With more titles, stronger government backing, and a sharper message, the team presented the Philippines as a vibrant source of children’s literature that speaks across cultures.

The NBDB believes this kind of participation will lead to long-term benefits for Filipino creators. By establishing international relationships and raising awareness, the local industry gains more opportunities to thrive and compete on a global stage.

Commitment to Growth and Cultural Identity

At the heart of the Philippines’ participation lies a strong desire to amplify the voices of Filipino authors and illustrators. The focus on Filipino children’s books serves not just as a cultural export, but also as a way to affirm identity, values, and imagination through literature.

This year’s return to Bologna showed what a coordinated national effort can do. Through NBDB’s leadership and the involvement of leading publishers, the country presented a unified front that celebrated creativity, diversity, and resilience.

Filipino children’s books now sit alongside the best in the world at BCBF. With continued support and investment, the Philippines looks forward to expanding its presence in future editions and cementing its place in the global literary community.