The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Intertextual Division in partnership with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), celebrates National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) with a series of book activities on July 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).

Now in its 40th year, the event is held every third Tuesday of July to commemorate the anniversary of the publication of Jose Rizal’s rendition of the folktale “The Monkey and the Turtle” in the July 1889 issue of Trubner’s Oriental Record in London.

Theme for this year’s event is titled “Basa. Bayan. Bukas.” The program includes a presentation of new children’s books, keynote speech by Mighty Magulang/Mona Magno-Veluz, musical performance by Kabataang Gitarista, awarding of the 2023 PBBY-Salanga and PBBY-Alcala Prizes, storytelling of the winning piece, opening of an art exhibit, viewing of Himig Himbing videos from the CCP Arts Education Department, talks, art exhibit tour with artist Jomar Galutera and storytelling with games, among other activities.

Besides championing the importance of nurturing the curiosity and imagination of young readers, the CCP and PBBY also focus on recognizing the best work of children’s book writers, illustrators and publishers.

Interested parties may bring any kind of children’s book for donation. It will serve as one person’s entrance ticket to the venue. The collected books will be given to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.