The Philippines Book Festival 2026 is the 4th Philippine Book Festival (PBF) of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) Philippines – the country’s only marketplace to all-Filipino books and published works, and a shared third place for publishers, writers, illustrators, readers, educators, and industry stakeholders.
Gubat ng Karunungan or Rainforest of Knowledge is the theme of the PBF 2026. The key visual, crafted by returning artist and designer Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, follows two characters, Yaz and Ye-ey, as they through a teeming rainforest, taking in its flora, fauna, and falls.
On March 12, 2026 (Day 1), 11:00AM-12:30PM, the PBF 2026 was opened with an Opening Ceremony called the LAYAG-PAHINA: OPENING CEREMONIES that compose of Open House & Registration, Entrance of Colors, Philippine National Anthem, Invocation, Welcome Chant, Sitsiritsit, Welcome Message, Opening Rites, Poetry Reading, PBF Declaration, and Pagtatanghal.
The Open House & Registration of PBF 2026 on March 12, 2026 (Day 1) is at 10:00AM, and the Programme, LAYAG-PAHINA: OPENING CEREMONIES starts from 11:00AM to 12:30 PM.
Invocation, Entrance of Colors, Philippine National Anthem, Welcome Chant and Sitsiritsit are one of the first activities of the PBF 2026 Opening Ceremony.
Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Executive Director, NBDB, has shared a Welcome Message during the Opening Ceremony of the PBF 2026, held on March 12, 2026 at the Fiesta Stage, 5th Floor, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
Opening Rites is one of the necessary activities of the PBF 2026.
Fatima Panontongan, Undersecretary & Chief of Staff, DEPED; Eric Zerrundo,Zerrundo, Executive Director & Chairman, NCCA; and Gerald Galindez, Poet & Artisan, had recited a Poetry Reading during the event of PBF 2026 Opening Ceremony.
Tala Tugade has introduced Sonny Angara, Secretary, DEPED, for the PBF Declaration who also shared a message during the PBF 2026 Opening Ceremony.