A History of the Sarangani Islands

 NCCA/NBDB grantee publishes history book on Sarangani

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Book author Ian Christopher Alfonso launched the first printed copies of his book, "A History of the Sarangani Islands: 1521-1921," at the recent Philippine Book Festival in Davao City.

A recipient of the 2023 National Commission for Culture and the Arts publication grant and the 2022 National Book Development Board publication grant, the history book was jointly published by the Project Saysay, Ateneo Zamboanga - Mindanao Institute, and the University of San Carlos - Cebuano Studies Center.

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. As the leading catalyst for building a culture of reading and authorship, they also create an environment for the growth of the Philippine book publishing industry.

The NBDB's many services include trade promotion, education, research & policy, readership, incentives & subsidies, and grants. Under the latter category are grants for CGI accreditation, publication, creative nation, translation, create act, tax and duty-free importation of raw materials, and the National Book Development Trust Fund.

August 31 is the deadline for applications to the NCCA in giving out grants on proposals about Philippine culture and the arts, both from individuals and accredited agencies. Applicants must undergo the process to become accredited partners after duly accomplishing the forms; but only after two years of track record (to avoid the occurrence of fly-by-night recipients).

"We gather stories from all over the country, as representation of the regions. Authors and local government units simply register to be a recipient of the incentives," shared NBDB's executive director Charisse Tugade, during a speech delivered at the Philippine Book Festival in Davao City.

Like Alfonso, the NCCA and NBDB is encouraging accredited writers, authors, and agencies  to sent their proposals by or before August 31. For inquiries, interested parties may send an email to registration@books.gov.ph.