The Philippines is gearing up for its prestigious role as Guest of Honor (GoH) at the 77th Frankfurt Book Messe (FBM) in 2025, and a key initiative is underway to bridge the language gap and introduce Filipino literature to the world. The National Book Development Board (NBDB) recently announced the grantees for the first cycle of its Translation Subsidy Program for Foreign Publishers.
This program is a crucial element of the Philippines’ GoH (PhlGoH2025) preparations for the FBM, scheduled for 15-19 October 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany. The Translation Subsidy Program is not just for foreign publishers; it also has a separate program designed for Philippine publishers. The program is further bolstered by PhlGoH2025, an interagency collaboration between the NBDB, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.
Through this collaborative effort, the aim is to significantly increase the number of Filipino-authored books translated into foreign languages. This will not only introduce Philippine literature to a wider global audience but also foster cultural exchange between Filipino diaspora communities and their host countries. Ultimately, the program aims to make Philippine books more competitive on the world stage, positioning the Philippines as a rising content creation hub in Southeast Asia.
The NBDB, the government agency dedicated to fostering the book publishing industry and promoting Filipino authorship, is leading the Translation Subsidy Program’s implementation. Three program cycles will be held throughout 2024 to connect foreign publishers with compelling Filipino titles and support their introduction to new markets.
A PhlGoH2025 Advisory Council will meticulously evaluate applications based on several key factors. These include the relevance and significance of the chosen work for translation, the feasibility and timeline for production, the scale of production and distribution plans, and the applicant’s experience with translation projects and rights negotiations.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is renowned as the world’s largest trade fair for books, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe. As the GoH for the 77th edition, the Philippines will be only the second Southeast Asian nation to receive this honor, following Indonesia in 2015. This prestigious designation holds immense strategic, economic, political, and cultural significance, offering the Philippines a unique platform to showcase its rich literary heritage and intellectual talent to the global creative community.
The first cycle of the Translation Subsidy Program for Foreign Publishers has awarded grants to a diverse group of publishers, including Ombra GVG Publishing House, Ana Pol Publication House, Transit Buchverlag GmbH, Hohe Publisher, Alfred Kröner Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, and many more.
You may visit this website for more information on PhlGoH2025, the Translation Subsidy Program, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and the application process.