Category: Education

  • Capacitating Educators for the Revised K–10 Curriculum: The 2025 COCOPEA–REX Regional Run

    Capacitating Educators for the Revised K–10 Curriculum: The 2025 COCOPEA–REX Regional Run

    From classrooms to communities, across institutions and islands—the COCOPEA–REX regional run gathers stakeholders and educators anew to lead, learn, and shape a better future for the Filipino learners.

    As a new school year begins, educators are presented with an important opportunity to improve their teaching practices, serve their students more effectively, and ultimately, contribute to elevating the quality of education in our country. This year, with the Revised K–10 Curriculum taking root in our classrooms, that opportunity has never felt more urgent and meaningful.

    This is the spirit behind the 2025 COCOPEA–REX regional run.

    Organized by the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and Rex Education, in partnership with the Department of Education, this initiative aims to equip educators with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively implement the Revised K–10 Curriculum, particularly for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8.

    A Transformative 2-Day Learning Journey Across the Archipelago

    This year’s regional run, themed “Capacitating the Private Education Sector for the Effective Implementation of the Revised K–10 Curriculum,” aims to ensure that every Filipino learner has access to quality, relevant, and responsive education. The run began in Davao City on February 27–28, hosted by the University of the Immaculate Conception, Bajada Campus, welcoming educators from Regions 11, 12, SOCCSKSARGEN, and parts of BARMM. From there, the initiative traveled across the country through five more major legs: Baguio City – St. Louis University for Regions I, II, CAR, and parts of Region III, Cebu City – Cebu Institute of Technology for Regions VII, VIII, and parts of Region IX, Iloilo City – Angelicum College for Region VI, Cagayan de Oro – Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan for Region X, parts of BARMM and Region IX and Muntinlupa City – San Beda College Alabang for Regions NCR, IV-A, and IV-B

    Over the 2-day program, participants were provided with the tools and platform to unpack the revised curriculum—not just in theory, but in practical, tangible ways. The first day opened with a plenary session that set the tone for the training—bringing together educators, administrators, and stakeholders to align on the goals and significance of the Revised K–10 Curriculum.

    Following this, the second plenary session titled “General Updates on the Revised K–10 Curriculum” provided participants with an overview of the recent changes and developments, focusing on curriculum content and structural updates for the priority grade levels.

    From there, participants moved into concurrent breakout sessions, grouped per learning area, for a curriculum walkthrough, where they engaged in two core activities:

    ● An In-depth Exploration of Learning Standards for Grades 2, 3, 5and 8, clarifying what students are expected to know and do at each grade level

    ● Curriculum Unpacking of Learning Competencies for Grades 2, 3, 5and 8, which involved breaking down each competency into practical, actionable teaching objectives

    As the run transitioned into the second day, the focus shifted from understanding the curriculum to implementing it effectively in the classroom. It began with the third plenary session, titled “Evidence-Based Intervention: Focus on Pedagogical Practices and the Importance of Assessment,” highlighting how research-based teaching methods and meaningful assessments can drive better student learning outcomes.

    School leaders, stakeholders, and educators nationwide take part in the 2025 COCOPEA-REX Regional Run—deepening their understanding and strengthening their readiness for the effective implementation of the Revised K–10 Curriculum, particularly for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8.

    This was followed by morning breakout sessions, again organized per learning area, that explored the Pedagogical Practices that Integrate and Develop Literacy and 21st-Century Skills through theoretical discussions and strategy-sharing. Educators shared strategies and discussed how to incorporate these essential skills into their teaching methods.

    In the afternoon, educators participated in a series of hands-on workshops, still within their respective learning areas. These included:

    ● A workshop on pedagogical practices to further strengthen instruction that fosters literacy and 21st-century competencies

    ● A theoretical discussion and a workshop on effective assessment and feedback strategies, guiding educators in using assessment not only for grading but also for supporting student growth and reflective teaching.

    Anchored in Purpose, Rooted in Legacy

    This year’s run is especially meaningful as it coincides with REX’s 75th anniversary—a milestone that honors decades of commitment to supporting Filipino learners, educators, and institutions.

    For 75 years, REX has stood not only as a learning solutions provider, but as a katuwang sa buhay—a partner for life, in learning, growth, and transformation. The regional run serves as a continuation of this legacy, reaching out to private schools, listening to their needs, and assisting them in navigating the evolving educational landscape through collaboration and shared learning.

    Moving Forward, Together

    With COCOPEA, CEAP, REX, DepEd, and countless Edukampyons at the forefront, this movement proves that progress is possible when we lead with collaboration, compassion, and courage. Even in the face of shifting systems and emerging challenges, we can always rise—grounded in legacy, driven by purpose—Para sa bata. Para sa mamamayan. Para sa bayan.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • MERANAW IDENTITY AND HERITAGE AT THE HEART OF THE 1ST MARAWI CHILDREN’S BOOK FEST

    MARAWI CITY, LANAO DEL SUR – The National Book Development Board (NBDB), in partnership with Aklat Alamid, will host the first-ever Marawi Children’s Book Fest on June 27-29, 2025 at the Mindanao State University’s main campus. 

    The event aims to equip authors, illustrators, and publishers with the necessary skills and knowledge in producing children’s books, while highlighting Meranaw culture and traditions. 

    “There should be available quality and accessible Maranao books that represent who they are and the way they live. In the 2023 National Readership Survey results, there was a notable decline in reading non-school books, which was at 43% for children. Access to books emerged as the primary reason for the decline, with limited awareness of public libraries and constraints in time and distance,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

    She added, “NBDB’s grant supports publishing stakeholders in enhancing their skills and knowledge through professional development events such as the Marawi Children’s Book Fest. We encourage other organizations to initiate events such as this.”

    In a list compiled by Aklat Alamid, only around 20 children’s books from different regions in the country feature Muslim stories from 1990 to 2012 but were mostly authored by non-Muslim Filipinos. The next year, 2013, marked a new milestone as the number of titles featuring Muslim stories increased to more than 100 titles by 2023.  With the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education starting in the 2012-2013 school year, different mother tongues, including those spoken by Muslim Filipinos, were used in reading materials for early-grade level students. 

    “The seminar-workshop aims to orient the participants on the importance of books for Meranaw children and to guide the preselected authors and illustrators in the process of developing the picture books,” said M.J. Cagumbay Tumamac, popularly known as Xi Zuq to his readers, who is also the co-founder and administrative head of Aklat Alamid. 

    He added, “As part of a larger project, [we aim] to develop four picture books on Meranaw culture, created by Meranaw authors and illustrators, written in the Meranaw language, and for Meranaw readers.” 

    The festival takes on deeper significance in the context of post-siege Marawi, where the 2017 conflict left physical and emotional scars on the community. In the years since, educators, parents, and cultural advocates have underscored the role of storytelling in rebuilding Maranao identity and heritage, as well as promoting healing and fostering peace. 

    Meranaw Orthography, Storytelling Sessions, Bibliotherapy

    One of the main events at the workshop is a panel discussion titled Stories of Hope: Meranaw Voices from Marawi, which will present peacebuilding efforts in the community and share tools for education and empowerment with the participants. 

    Meanwhile, there will also be an expressive, interactive, and visual storytelling session on two culturally rich children’s books, Si Jalal Ago So Ranaw and Ranao Monster. These stories are rooted in Meranaw culture and the natural beauty of Lake Lanao, the largest lake in Mindanao. 

    The three-day event will also include discussions and workshops on the importance of Meranaw children’s books, Maranao orthography, children’s books illustration, and bibliotherapy. In a hybrid format, the book fest is expected to gather 150 participants including students, parents, teachers, authors, publishers, and novice illustrators. The speakers and facilitators are from the MSU-Main Campus, the City Schools Division of Marawi, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement Inc., and Aklat Alamid. 

    The event is in partnership with the university’s Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, the City Schools Division of Marawi, and the Division of Lanao del Sur 1 under the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

    With the Marawi Children’s Book Fest, the NBDB and Aklat Alamid are working together to reclaim narrative spaces for a community whose stories deserve to be read, heard, and cherished. 

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Divine Reyes-Caraecle

    Chief, Communications & Promotions
    0917-1396394
    communications@books.gov.ph

  • PW Philippines Corp Launches Marikina Branch to Offer Free Japanese Language Education to Filipino Youth

    PW Philippines Corp Launches Marikina Branch to Offer Free Japanese Language Education to Filipino Youth

    Marikina City, Philippines — PW Philippines Corp has officially opened its newest branch in Marikina City, aiming to provide accessible Japanese language education and Prometric review programs to more Filipino youth. The launch marks an exciting step forward in its mission to bring free language learning opportunities closer to learners in Luzon.

    Located within the Pamantasan Ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar), the new branch offers a structured and focused approach to language instruction, grounded in learning and clear guidance. This expansion follows the continued growth of its main branch in Davao City.

    “The Marikina branch represents our desire to serve more communities through education that builds confidence and discipline,” the team behind PW Philippines Corp shared. “We believe that language learning is not only about acquiring skills but also about empowering individuals to grow and discover their potential.”

    The organization also clarified its role in the education sector: PW Philippines Corp is a language tutorial center—not a recruitment agency—and does not participate in any employment process.

    Qualifications for Enrollment

    To qualify for the free Japanese language and Prometric review program offered by PW Philippines Corp – Marikina, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    ● Must be 17 to 30 years old

    ● Must have a minimum height of 4’11

    ● Must be a Grade 12 graduate, a two-year vocational graduate, or a college graduate

    ● Must be able to commit to regular face-to-face classesfor a period of six months, held Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

    ● Must have no history of tattoos

    ● Must be physically and mentally fit to undergo intensive training

    Location

    Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar)
    Rainbow Street corner Russet Street, SSS Village, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City

    Programs Offered

    PW Philippines Corp – Marikina provides the following free, in-person training programs:

    ● Special Nihongo for Caregiving

    ● Special Nihongo for Hotel Accommodation

    ● Special Nihongo for Food Service

    Each course includes targeted Japanese language instruction and Prometric review sessions. All classes are led by instructors who are certified passers of Japanese language proficiency exams, ensuring learners receive high-quality, goal-oriented education tailored to real-life applications.

    Schedule and Important Dates

    ● Trial Class: July 7, 2025 (Monday)

    ● Official Start of Classes: July 14, 2025 (Monday)

    ● Class Days: Mondays to Fridays

    ● Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

    ● Instruction Mode: Face-to-face only

    Registration and Contact Information

    Registration Form:
    https://bit.ly/our-register_marikina-2025

    Facebook Page:
    www.facebook.com/OnoderaUserRunPhilippinesMarikinaCenter

    Email Inquiries:
    veronica@ph.onodera-user-run.com

    lorenzo@ph.onodera-user-run.com

    our-fbphilippines012@ph.onodera-user-run.com

    Contact Number:

    0965 841 2342 / 0920 433 8625

    Uplifting Learning Through Language

    Through this expansion, PW Philippines Corp reaffirms its commitment to nurturing learners through clear instruction, language skills, and supportive classroom environments. The Marikina branch is envisioned to become a space where young Filipinos can explore the Japanese language while building discipline, confidence, and a passion for lifelong learning.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Rex Education Unveils New Book Titles, Organizes Fun Games and Activities at Philippine Book Festival 2025

    Rex Education Unveils New Book Titles, Organizes Fun Games and Activities at Philippine Book Festival 2025

    What a fiesta! Over 40,000 visitors captivated this year’s Philippine Book Festival (PBF) and energized the 4-day event at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. PBF 2025 was held recently and was powered by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

    Rex Education the leading book publisher and education solutions provider in the Philippines, participated joyfully and showcased its latest titles by Filipino authors, including Filipiniana titles. REX’s main booth unveiled academic titles from basic, college, and law education, with every offering thoughtfully developed by various experts in the field.

    NBDB aptly chose the fiesta theme to make the event merry and fun-filled. Some of the country’s most famous celebrations, such as the Dinagyang Festival, were highlighted during the occasion. In keeping with the festive and celebratory mood, REX offered exclusive deals and big discounts and joined in the fun with exciting games and prizes.

    Moreover, REX held a stamp-collecting activity at its Lakbay Aklat booth to give guests an immersive experience. Those who completed the activity received prizes. Additionally, REX organized a Scavenger Hunt where the participants learned more about the company’s offerings while also exploring the event in a fun, engaging way. Those who joined the Scavenger Hunt also received prizes and tokens or REX keepsakes.

    What’s more, REX also brought out its Photoman to give guests and learners alike unique photo opportunities to celebrate their learning journey at PBF 2025. This was a great way to capture the event, preserved in a photograph. All these activities and more were a hit with PBF patrons.

    REX’s booths demonstrate the company’s commitment to authors, learners, and all book lovers, providing quality Filipino-made books, learning materials, and a dynamic platform for educators and publishing professionals. This year’s PBF, with its fiesta theme, striking and vibrant visuals, and interactive aspects, truly appealed to young children and the young-at-heart. It was a fusion of engaging, experience-based settings with entertainment, education, and shopping convenience.

    The Philippine Book Festival 2025, through NBDB, was also an excellent opportunity for the Department of Education (DepEd) and the country’s publishers to connect and strengthen year-long relationships, just as REX and DepEd did during the event. This collaboration enabled DepEd to make large-scale institutional purchases of various learning materials at competitive prices, with the goal of promoting the love of reading to Filipinos and help resolve issues of access and literacy.

    As NBDB and DepEd continue the ever-evolving and challenging task of uplifting education in the Philippines through fairs such as the Philippine Book Festival 2025, rest assured that Rex Education will remain a steadfast ally and will provide support in every way possible.

    Congratulations, PBF 2025!

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • Big Cash Prizes Await Young Changemakers in This Reading Hackathon

    Big Cash Prizes Await Young Changemakers in This Reading Hackathon

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES – To address the nation’s reading crisis, the National Book Development Board (NBDB), through its Readership Development Division (READ), has organized the Readers Rising! Hackathon, where the youth are invited to pitch their ideas on how to help solve this big problem on readership: How do we rekindle a love of reading for young Filipino adults?

    Recent findings from the Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) in 2024 highlight the urgency of addressing this crisis. The survey showed alarming gaps in literacy rates, especially among young Filipinos.

    This hackathon aims to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table, empowering the Filipino youth to contribute solutions that can help overcome this pressing issue.

    The best part is, the winning idea that can help end the reading crisis can earn PHP 60,000 for the creative thinker.

    This unique event, which involves both online and onsite meetups, is open to Filipino citizens, aged 18-25, who are currently university students or young professionals in various fields such as advocacy, policy, information technology, marketing, business, management, community development, social work, communication, social sciences, and humanities.

    Together, they will be challenged to come up with their most unique and innovative ideas and novel solutions that will impact the nation’s reading communities to adopt more positive reading behaviors and help develop a stronger reading culture in the Philippines.

    This year’s hackathon will be guided by a group of mentor-judges, each a leader in fields like advocacy, technology, communications, and education. Their expertise will be key in evaluating proposals and presentations, which will be assessed based on the following criteria:

    • Thematic Relevance (30%)

    The idea clearly addresses the identified problem and caters to the developmental needs of the target audience.

    • Innovation (30%)

    The idea is original, innovative, and creative. It offers a novel approach to solving the problem and is supported by strong research.

    • Feasibility and Sustainability (25%)

    The project can be realistically implemented and takes into account economic, environmental, and social factors for long-term impact.

    • Presentation (15%)
      The pitch is clear, easy to follow, and effectively gets the message across in an engaging way.

    The winning idea that will come out of the Readers Rising! Hackathon stands to take home PHP 60,000 as the major prize, with PHP 30,000 as minor prizes. Special prizes worth PHP 10,000 will be awarded as well. 

    Best of all, registration for the Readers Rising! Hackathon is absolutely FREE! Interested participants can learn more and apply through the official form. Submissions will be judged on how well they align with the hackathon’s mission, as well as their creativity and practicality.

    Don’t let this opportunity pass; join us and be part of something that makes a real-world impact!

    The press release is published by NBDB on May 23, 2025.

    For media inquiries, please contact: 

    Communications & Promotions

    news@books.gov.ph

    About the National Book Development Board 

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).

  • PH Returns to Biggest Stage for Children’s Books, with Expanded Presence and 120 Titles

    PH Returns to Biggest Stage for Children’s Books, with Expanded Presence and 120 Titles

    BOLOGNA, ITALY – Following a successful debut participation at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in 2024, the Philippines is set to return to the world’s foremost event for children’s books, which will take place from March 31 to April 3, 2025, at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre in Italy. The country’s participation will be led by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), with support from the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) and the International Board on Books for Young People Philippines (IBBY PH).

    Last year marked several milestones for the Philippine book publishing industry. Before its successful presentation at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, the Philippines made waves in the book world with its children’s book sector being selected as the Country of Focus at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in Singapore. This set the stage for the Philippines’ debut at the BCBF, where the country showcased over 100 children’s books in a dedicated stand. For 2025, the Philippines is poised to build on last year’s success with an even more robust presence. The delegation will be represented by a talented group of children’s book professionals, including illustrator Fran Alvarez (Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language), authors Faye Villanueva-Chelabian (co-founder of Kawangis Publishing), Liwliwa Malabed (Sampung Eroplano), Ergoe Tinio (Editor-in-Chief of Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development), and MJ Tumamac (co-founder of Aklat Alamid), alongside Eli Camacho (Product Development Manager at Adarna House), Sophia Garduce (Southern Voices Printing Press), and Isa Songco (co-founder of Kwentoon).

    “This is another win for our children’s book sector, which is an enduring and vital part of our book industry. If our participation at the BCBF last year was an introduction to our children’s books, this year, we’re expanding our participation with a larger book curation focused on themes that represent the true nature of Philippine children’s stories: progressive, endlessly curious, and consider children as smart, imaginative readers with a great sense of agency,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

    This year’s curation will feature 120 titles that explore a variety of themes, including Philippine culture, diversity, environmental awareness, and sense of self and community. This selection of early readers, middle grade, and young adult books features both old and new voices in the Philippine children’s book sector, highlighting the authors and illustrators behind one of the country’s most widely read and translated genres.

    Additionally, the Philippines will host a range of activities, including an art workshop for children, which will take place at the Philippine Embassy in Rome on March 29, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event will feature two sessions: Mom’s Best Playdough Activities focusing on Philippine national symbols, and an art workshop by Liza Flores of Ang INK (Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan), encouraging young participants to explore their creativity while learning about Filipino culture. On April 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the Philippine Collective Stand will host a reception, welcoming Ambassador Nathaniel G. Imperial and Consul General Elmer G. Cato, along with other representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Rome and the Philippine Consulate in Milan.  

    In addition to these, the Philippines is supporting a special Happy Hour event called Drink & Draw with the Philippines, organized by German Stories and the Frankfurter Buchmesse. This gathering will take place on April 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Hall 30, B24-C11.

    Since 1964, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair has been the industry-leading fair where professionals working in children’s content from all over the world meet for networking, rights selling, and other opportunities for cross-media adaptation, as well as expand their knowledge in the art of creating children’s books through fora, workshops, exhibits, talks, and other activities. Over 25,000 visitors attend the BCBF every year. 

    This year, the BCBF will feature 1,500 exhibitors from approximately 90 countries and regions around the world. The Philippine country stand will be located at Hall 29, B24-C23.

    For industry professionals looking to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, tickets can be purchased at https://www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/en/visitors/ticket-online/1131.html

    REFERENCE & MEDIA CONTACT:

    Divine Reyes-Caraecle, Chief of Communications & Promotions

    091713963394

    news@books.gov.ph

    About the National Book Development Board

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdphilippines).

  • Rex Education Celebrates 75 Years of Commitment to Education at AECON 2025

    Rex Education Celebrates 75 Years of Commitment to Education at AECON 2025

    Rex Education marked its 75th anniversary at AECON 2025, held on January 16-17 at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque. The theme, celebrating 75 Years of Commitment to Quality Education: Seamless and Meaningful Learning Experiences Through Assessment, Intervention, and Enrichment, highlighted the company’s dedication to education. Nearly 1,000 educators, school leaders, and stakeholders attended the two-day event, which focused on addressing key educational challenges through insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing.

    Gathering of Change Makers in Education

    Each year, AECON addresses pressing issues in education, equipping teachers and leaders with valuable insights and solutions. This year, as part of its 75th anniversary, the focus is on creating seamless and meaningful learning experiences for every learner and educator.

    In his opening remarks, REX COO Roger John Y. Fontelera highlighted that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. He stated, “This year’s AECON isn’t about giving ready-made solutions. Instead, it’s about creating a space for reflection, learning, and collaboration. We want to provide you with stepping stones—resources, strategies, and ideas—that you can adapt to meet the specific needs of your schools, communities, and learners.”

    Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of preparing Filipino learners for an increasingly digital world. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing future-ready learners by integrating technology, enhancing critical thinking, and strengthening public-private collaborations.

    One key session featured a panel discussion with respected education experts and policymakers:

    • Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director o of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2)
    • Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo, Professor at the University of the Philippines and former DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching
    • Ms. Rhodora Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC)
    • Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, Legal Counsel of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA)

    Moderated by Dr. Edizon Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs at National Teachers College, the discussion focused on improving learning outcomes in the Philippines. It emphasized evidence-based policy decisions, stronger accountability among education leaders, and the importance of authentic assessments to accurately measure student progress.

    In the afternoon, Dr. Amy Berry, Director of EngagED Consulting, led a plenary session on student engagement. She challenged traditional approaches and introduced innovative methods that empower both teachers and students to co-create meaningful learning experiences.

    A Moment of Gratitude and the Symphony of Learning

    The second day of AECON began with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Jesse Mercado, Bishop of Parañaque, reflecting on the journey of Rex Education and its mission to support Filipino education.

    After the mass, REX CEO Don Timothy Buhain introduced the Symphony of Learning Solutions, a suite of educational resources supporting lifelong learning, from early childhood to professional development. This initiative highlights REX’s commitment to integrating assessment, intervention, and enrichment for educators and learners.

    Buhain compared learning to a symphony, where every effort, resource, and voice comes together to create something meaningful. He assured, “The symphony will improve—with practice, continuous learning, change, and execution. In the future, there will be additions when they are necessary. We will listen and count on our Edukampyon community, including the voice of our learners.”

    The Symphony of Learning Solutions includes lesson exemplars, learning instruments, digital platforms like Schoology, and targeted assessments to ensure well-rounded education at every stage.

    A Unified Pledge for Quality Education

    As the congress concluded, a spirit of unity filled the hall as attendees stood for the Edukampyon Pledge. Led by Jeanne Marie Tordesillas, Chief Marketing Officer of REX, this solemn moment reaffirmed the commitment of educators and education stakeholders to advancing quality education, advocating for policies that support meaningful learning, and prioritizing the best interests of Filipino learners.

    75 Years and Beyond: The Edukampyon Commitment

    Reaching 75 years is a testament to Rex Education’s dedication to every learner and educator it has served. The journey continues.

    In his message of gratitude, REX Chairman and President Atty. Dominador Buhain thanked all the Edukampyons and shared, “Seventy-five years, and our work is not yet done. The future demands more from us, and we accept that challenge with open hearts and minds… We vow to continue listening, learning, and innovating to provide high-quality learning solutions for every Filipino learner.”

    As Rex Education looks beyond 75 years, its commitment remains—to be the trusted katuwang of every Filipino educator, school, and learner, fostering lifelong learning for generations—para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan, for life.

    REFERENCE: Richard C. Mamuyac

  • New Location, More Books—See What’s In Store At The PHILIPPINE BOOK FESTIVAL 2025

    New Location, More Books—See What’s In Store At The PHILIPPINE BOOK FESTIVAL 2025

    The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s largest all-Filipino book festival, is back—this time at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, from March 13-16, 2025.

    The free four-day festival by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) puts Philippine books at the center of a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with authors.

    A Fiesta of Filipino Culture through Literature

    The PBF 2025 promises to be more festive, putting the spotlight on the country’s famous festivals, each one designed by some of the best Filipino artists working today.

    The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF’s section dedicated to children’s literature), designed by Juno Abreu, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to textbooks, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbënga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.

    A design highlight is the Pakyawan Plaza, the festival’s centerpiece which has become a crowd favorite. The intricately designed Pahiyas Festival-themed activation space features a large bahay kubo, inside which fairgoers can browse collections of children’s books.

    A New Location for a More Accessible Experience

    The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 2025 moves to a new venue—at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location has brought new energy to the festival and can draw an even larger audience.

    For one, the new PBF site is strategically located in a mall at the heart of Metro Manila, making it easily accessible. Visitors can reach it via the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 and the EDSA Busway, providing convenient transport for those coming from surrounding areas like Caloocan City, Quezon City, Makati City, Taguig City, and even from those on the eastern side such as Cainta, Taytay, and the cities of Antipolo, Pasig, and of course, Mandaluyong.

    “The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue’s accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas,” explained NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

    Strides Toward Addressing Systemic Gaps

    Led by Aquino-Tugade and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, the PBF has achieved a groundbreaking milestone—procuring over PHP 925 million worth of Philippine trade books and textbooks.

    Through the PBF, the NBDB, an attached agency of the DepEd, provides space for DepEd’s regional and district offices to purchase quality books and engage with fellow educators and professionals from the book publishing industry. The large-scale institutional purchase by DepEd addresses the issues of access and readership, bringing books to thousands of readers all over the Philippines.

    “The PBF is our love letter to Philippine books—its creators and its readers, and the many stories they have told about our people. It’s also our response to our country’s reading crisis, which is largely a problem of access. The PBF creates that marketplace for quality Filipino titles, and serves as a bridge between those books and readers across the country,” Aquino-Tugade said.

    “We have a large role to play in not just growing the book industry but in shaping the environments that make reading possible for all sectors of the population. The NBDB and its partners will continue to work against lack of access by saturating the market and our schools with quality Philippine-authored and published books,” Aquino-Tugade concluded.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Divine Reyes-Caraecle, Chief of Communications & Promotions
    09171396394
    news@books.gov.ph

    About the National Book Development Board

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).

    PRESS RELEASE
    National Book Development Board
    March 2025