Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 968)
The purpose of Proclamation No. 968 is to declare the month of April of every year as National Literature Month or Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino to promote Philippine literature and honor literary heritage.
Section 15, Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution supports this by mandating the State to patronize arts and letters and to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and artistic creations.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) are the lead agencies responsible for preparation, coordination, and implementation of activities for National Literature Month.
Yes, all departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, are directed to participate in the celebration.
Yes, non-governmental organizations and the private sector are encouraged to participate and assist the NCCA, KWF, and other concerned agencies.
April was selected because it commemorates Francisco Balagtas Day and marks the birth and death anniversaries of significant Filipino literary figures such as Emilio Jacinto, Paciano Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Edith Tiempo, and Bienvenido Lumbera. Additionally, April hosts international literary celebrations.
International Children’s Book Day, International Day of the Book or World Book Day, and World Intellectual Property Rights Day are celebrated internationally in April.
Philippine literature, written in various languages, is part of the nation’s historical and cultural legacy and must be promoted by the State to preserve and inspire Filipino values across generations.
No penalties for non-compliance are mentioned in the proclamation. It is mainly a directive and encouragement for participation.
The proclamation was signed and enacted by then-President Benigno S. Aquino III, with Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. attesting it.