Closing Remarks -PEPA Seminar on Textbook Development

CLOSING REMARKS

(On the occasion of the PEPA Seminar on Textbook

Development, August 22, 1999, Legenda Suites,

Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Freeport Zone)

I would like to express my thanks for giving me once more the trust and confidence to lead this prestigious Association.

Through a nearly unanimous affirmation (except for one) of those empowered to vote, this manifestation gave me the moral and legal clout to validly and legally represent the private sector at the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

In the course of the General Assembly, PEPA has adopted the following courses of action:

1. Consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws, to increase the number of representations to the Board from 7 to 9 to further democratize the policy-making activities;

A.1   It is unfortunate that some of the old members of the Board did not make it but we shall find means to ensure their presence during the subsequent board meetings;

1. Committees shall now play important roles not only to fast tract deliberations but every subject matter that shall be presented will have the benefit of a serious study;

B.1   At least 10 committees were formed, namely:

1. Data Bank
2. Planning
3. Rest and Recreation
4. Social Mobilization
5. Training
6. Legislative Agenda
7. Outreach
8. Membership
9. International Affairs
10. Ethics

1. PEPA Regional Chapters will be formed;

C.1   Regional book societies already recognized by the NBDB may provide assistance;

1. Various resolutions were passed and some of the important ones are as follows:

1. Illegality of biddings;

2. PEPA’s representation in any for a where DECS will be involved to negotiate matters affecting the procurement of textbooks;

1. Cut-throat competition should hopefully be eradicated;

1. Newsletter highlighting the Subic activity which includes the award-giving ceremonies, elections of officers will be released through the courtesy of Rene Martinez of Adriana Press;

1. Finally, it is hoped that the Resolution encouraging the donation of ½ of 1% from proceeds of the sale to government shall be given flesh;

G.1   It is hoped likewise that through Executive Directors Rosa Sese, we’ll be able to find ways and means for PEPA to be the recipient of local and international donations.

In connection with the second strand which was the textbook development seminar, I am thankful that through the competent leadership of our Second Vice-President Dr. Juanita Guerero, (the official delegate of Phoenix and SIBS Publishing Houses), with the assistance of Executive Directors Rosa Sese and Dr. Enrique Coralejo who unfortunately should have been the overall chairman of this event and textbook development seminar, were it not for the present ailment, this particular activity which was ushered in by educational luminaries in their respective areas of discipline shall pave the way for the introduction of quality textbooks pursuant to the objectives of R.A 8047 for the benefit of our citizenry.