To deepen and strengthen the understanding and experience of various stakeholders (particularly students and teachers) on literature, heritage, and cultural arts, National Book Development Board (NBDB) – Philippines, Ateneo de Naga University Press, and Savage Mind Bookshop held its 2nd Bikol Book Festival – Day 7 on May 19, 2023, in Sorsogon State University (SorSU) – Sorsogon City Campus.
Along with Calabanga; Naga; Tigaon, Tiwi; Camalig; Nabua; Iriga; and Ticao Island, Sorsogon (Museo de Sorsogon and SorSU) is one of the selected nine key locations in the Bicol Region for the second edition of the book festival. Organized by the three organizations and in collaboration with local government units, the 2nd Bikol Book Festival is a nine-day event across Region V spearheading lectures and forums, read-along series, and book launchings, which also includes fairs & cultural performances.
SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, warmly welcomed the distinguished guest writers and scholars, citing that such a book festival is a historic event for the participants since it is not every day that they meet the regionβs finest literary minds, much more celebrate and witness their significant contributions to Bicolandiaβs art and cultural development. President De Jesus also expressed her hope for more events centered on cultural and literary heritage, such as the 2nd Bikol Book Festival.
According to Prof. Kristian Sendon Cordero, the convenor of the 2nd Bikol Book Festival, one of the highlights of the book festival is paying homage to the deceased Bikolnon writers as an act of their filial devotion and communion to their predecessors. (SorSU PIO)
