28 May 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, through Adarna House – a pioneer in Philippine children’s books publishing industry – collaborated with international non-governmental organization (NGO) Room to Read on a project entitled, “Philippines – Lao PDR Cross Cultural Exchange on Children’s Literature.”

One of the project’s activities is a roundtable discussion on the Philippine Children’s Books Publishing Industry held last May 19 at the Embassy.  The roundtable discussion was attended by representatives from the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), National Library, and National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA). 

Adarna House Director Asa Montenejo briefed the group on the history of children’s literature in the Philippines, the establishment of Adarna House and its products.  She also presented the linkage of Adarna House with the Philippine government agencies and the growth of children’s book publishing in the Philippines.

Following Ms. Montenejo’s presentation, the participants had a fruitful exchange on publication and copyright issues, skills development for writers and illustrators in Laos, and ways of encouraging Laotian, particularly children, to read books.  The group also shared their experiences and lessons learned in the children’s books publishing industry.

An Illustrator’s workshop with Filipino illustrators sharing their experiences and skills with Lao illustrators of Lao children’s books was likewise held from May 20 to 23 as part of the Philippines – Lao PDR Cross Cultural Exchange on Children’s Literature project.  END