Closing Remarks
(PEPA Christmas Party, December 8, 2006, 4:30 PM
Vibal Publishing House, Araneta Avenue, QC)
One of the most difficult tasks in any program is that of giving closing remarks. This is so, because everything has been said and people are already tired, bored and even eager to go home especially so, after having had a sumptuous meal, so the rest that follows will be boring and sometimes ignored.
My friends, I know, however, that after the merry-making and fun during Christmas program, we have to face the reality that confronts our publishing industry. As Christmas is the season of rejoicing, reconciliation and forgiveness, may I request that we forget the differences that happened during 2006, and look forward to a reassuring 2007 which would mean recalling the good and productive things that PEPA accomplished in spite of the odds that happened in between.
It is a pride and a nice feeling to note that for more than fifty years, PEPA continues to remain vibrant and helpful to the welfare of the industry during the past and now with the new leadership. At this point, allow me to name some of the PEPA initiated concerns and legislative proposals which the organization spearheaded.
- Filipinization of books – The original officials of PEPA which included Dr. Ernesto Sibal, the father of our new President Atty. Agaton Sibal took initial moves to have the writing of Filipino books for use in our schools. That was the beginning of the effort of our publishing houses to introduce books written by Filipinos.
- The passage of RA 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act was a real landmark in this industry because it brought about the National Book Development Plan, the National Book Policy, the formation of Philippine Reproduction Rights Organization (PRRO), formation of the Book Exporters Association of the Philippines (BEAP), formation of the Philippine Book Development Federation (Philbook), reduction of tax on royalties of authors from 20% to 10%, declaration of the month of June as National Book Development Month and others which are on the pipeline are the following:
- Formation of the Book City
- Decentralization of textbook Evaluation
- Creation of trust fund for authors
- Fight against privacy
- PEPA’s move against the transfer of NBDB from the Office of the President to the Department of Education.
On the international scene, the following may be cited:
- Formation of the Asian Book Publishers Association (ABPA)
Appointment of PEPA to be the chairman of the group of revise the Constitution and By-Laws of the Asian Pacific Publishers Association (APPA) - Through PEPA’s representation, the Philippines has been considered as a pilot country of the plan to develop a book culture of a country in relation to the strategic partnership program of WIPO and UNESCO.
Friends, these are parts of a roadmap which PEPA has started and these may well serve as the right direction to pursue in mapping a strategic plan of action to pursue a scenario which will put PEPA’s image higher than what it used to be. PEPA is not only known in the Philippines but it is now recognized internationally.
Though there may be have been differences and difficulties met during the past years, what is important is, we have maintained a tradition of gathering under one roof during the Christmas season which is symbolic of unity, love and peace and anticipated growth of the industry.
On this note, may I enjoin one and all to rise, hold hands and thank the Good Lord for giving us the gift of life and a positive outlook towards a New Year which may usher in peace, happiness and better business for our publishing industry. May we all live in harmony observing all the policies and ethical standards which PEPA had agreed to upheld all for the greater Glory of God!
Merry Christmas …Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!!!