NBDB announces grant for writers

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Laoag City—In celebration of the Philippine Book Development Month, the National Book Development Board (NBDB), a government agency mandated to promote the country’s book publishing industry is calling writers to submit applications for the National Book Development Trust Fund (NBDTF) grant for 2015.

With a grant of P200,000 for each category, NBDB director Wilfred Castillo said during his visit to Laoag City on Dec. 18 that authors and organizations are now accepting applications. He said interested applicants may start downloading application forms at the NBDB official website.

For interested applicants, they may submit at least 20 percent of their manuscripts or research works for books on or before the May 31, 2015 deadline.

According to Mr. Castillo, this year’s grant covers topic on the following categories: local history and culture written in Filipino, English or any Philippine language, traditional medicine, integrative medicine or tropical medicine, food science and technology, organic agriculture, sustainable agriculture, agri-tourism and popular science.

Under Republic Act 8047, or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act, the NBDB aims to build a culture of reading and authorship among Filipinos, as well as to boost the growth of book publishing industry in a competitive environment.

Over the years, it has been observed that most of the younger generations today are more inclined to digital arts and social media but the power of the printed word shall not be taken for granted.