The Philippines returns to one of Asia\u2019s most important gatherings for children\u2019s literature this May, bringing a delegation of writers, illustrators, and educators to the 2026 Asian Festival of Children\u2019s Content (AFCC), happening from May 21 to 24, 2026, at the National Library in Singapore.<\/p>\n
Now in its 16th year, the AFCC gathers creators, publishers, educators, translators, and media professionals from across the region under this year\u2019s theme, \u201cThe Worlds We Make.\u201d For Filipino creators, the theme resonates with work already deeply underway: stories drawn from more than a hundred languages, over seven thousand islands, and the many different childhoods that make up life in the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Recognized as one of Asia\u2019s foremost platforms for children\u2019s literature and young adult (YA) fiction, the AFCC brings together the full range of professionals who shape what young readers encounter. Its program spans panel discussions, presentations, workshops, lectures, masterclasses, and networking sessions, all oriented toward the creation and appreciation of quality children\u2019s content rooted in Asian experiences and narratives.<\/p>\n
The Philippine delegation is composed of grantees under the National Book Development Board\u2019s Children\u2019s Creative Nation Grant (CNG), a program that supports Filipino creators in developing stories for children and young adults while building connections within the regional publishing community.<\/p>\n
Angela B. Nape\u00f1as will join \u201cAnthropomorphism & Learning to Care: Building Nature Stewardship Through Animal Stories\u201d on May 21, a panel on how animal characters can help young readers better understand nature and environmental responsibility. Also, Kristin Garanchon will lead \u201cWorldbuilding for Picture Books: From Concept Sketch to Narrative Universe,\u201d a workshop on building cohesive story worlds through illustration and narrative design.<\/p>\n
On May 23, Tori Tadiar will participate in the \u201cIllustrator\u2019s Portfolio Review\u201d, \u201cWorlds of Fantasy Comics,\u201d and \u201cYoung Heroes Claiming Old Myths: Big Worlds, Bravery, and Fantasy for Kids\u201d sessions that explore Philippine fantasy comics, folklore, mythology, and young heroes in children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n
For NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, the delegation\u2019s participation speaks to something larger than a single festival appearance. \u201cEvery time Filipino creators take their work to an international stage like AFCC, they are doing more than presenting their books. They are making the case that our stories have always had something distinct and necessary to say, and that the next generation of readers, here and across Asia, deserves to encounter them.\u201d<\/p>\n
NBDB Director Maria Carolina Tapia will also represent the Philippines in an industry sharing and networking session on the international children\u2019s content landscape on May 23. \u201cFilipino children\u2019s stories carry the richness of our islands, languages, and lived experiences. Through AFCC 2026, we hope to bring these stories to more readers, publishers, and partners across the region, and affirm the place of Philippine children\u2019s literature in the wider Asian and global publishing landscape,\u201d said Tapia.<\/p>\n
The NBDB said the country\u2019s participation in AFCC 2026 reflects the continued growth of the Philippine children\u2019s book sector, which remains among the most active and widely read segments of local publishing.<\/p>\n
Through classrooms, libraries, homes, and translation initiatives, Filipino children\u2019s books continue to reach young readers in the Philippines and abroad. Participation in AFCC offers Filipino creators an opportunity to present Philippine children\u2019s content to a broader regional audience and strengthen their presence in the global publishing landscape.<\/p>\n
The NBDB continues to support Filipino authors, illustrators, publishers, and creatives through programs that expand the reach of Philippine literature for children and young adults.<\/p>\n
For updates on AFCC 2026, visit the official festival website or follow NBDB\u2019s official platforms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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