QuestionsQuestions (NBDB)
The State recognizes the book publishing industry’s significant role in national development through books as tools for intellectual, technical, and cultural growth. It promotes continued private sector participation, formulation and implementation of a National Book Policy and National Book Development Plan, and ensures adequate, affordable, and accessible supply of varied high-quality books.
A “Book” is a printed non-periodical publication of at least 48 pages exclusive of cover pages. For tax/duty-free status of imported books, the definition includes: (1) children’s books that may be less than 48 pages; (2) children’s educational comics; (3) “boomics” (book + comics); (4) scientific, cultural, medical, architectural, and professional magazines; and (5) book catalog.
A textbook is a book that expounds generally accepted principles in one subject, intended primarily as a basis for instruction in a classroom or in a pupil-book-teacher situation.
A National Book Policy and a National Book Development Plan.
Examples include: (1) create conducive conditions for development, production, and distribution (including state-of-the-art technology); (2) obtain priority status for book publishing; (3) ensure adequate, affordable, accessible supply of books; (4) promote readership and good reading habits (e.g., libraries/reading centers, book fairs); (5) promote indigenous authorship and translations; (6) promote translation/publication of scientific/technical books and classic works; (7) promote effective distribution domestically and internationally; (8) foster skills of book personnel; (9) respect and protect intellectual property rights/copyright; and others listed in the IRR.
The Board must gather and/or generate data through surveys/studies on the book industry covering book production (paper supply/demand, equipment, distribution networks), availability of manpower/skills, legislative measures national/international, kind and quantity of imports and reading habits, and consult all segments of the book industry.
They include: (1) strong effective mechanisms for book development; (2) provisions for producing books/other periodicals including selected comics as instructional materials for various categories of readers; (3) measures addressing needs/problems indicated by surveys; (4) measures to redress imbalance between demand for good books and supply in different parts of the country; (5) measures to secure adequate compensation to authors for copyrights/IP rights; (6) guidelines for ethical practices in the book trade; and (7) human resource development programs for book personnel.
It has a Governing Board and a Secretariat. It operates under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President, and it may convert into a corporate entity when criteria for government corporations are met, subject to approval of appropriate authorities.
There are eleven (11) members appointed by the President. Five (5) are government representatives (from DECS, DTI, DOST, NCCA, and nominees by CHED and TESDA from academe and training institutions), and six (6) are nominees from private sector organizations (publishers, printers, writers, related activities, students, private education sector), preferably representing the three main islands. Appointees come from nationwide duly incorporated organizations with appropriate SEC registration and broad membership where feasible.
Members must be Filipino citizens, at least 30 years old, and of established competence and integrity. Their term is three (3) years, with a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. Special staggered terms apply to initial private sector appointees; successors serve only the unexpired portion if a member fails to complete the term.
The Governing Board elects a Chairman among themselves. The DECS representative is the ex-officio vice-chairman. In the Chairman’s absence, the Vice-Chairman presides.
Examples: implement Board policies and objectives under the Book Act; formulate plans/programs and incentive schemes; ensure just/prompt royalties for editors/compilers/authors; conduct research (possibly contracted out); provide a forum and maintain liaison with book industry organizations; enjoin authorities for effective implementation; promulgate IRR-related rules (except incentives section reserved for other agencies); approve annual budgets with DBM concurrence; own/lease property; receive donations/grants forming a trust fund; and others listed.
All persons and enterprises engaged in book publishing and its related activities must register with and be accredited by the Board to avail themselves of incentives, assistance, and support.
NBDB coordinates with DECS on learning competencies/prototypes/specifications; assists DECS in rules for private publisher participation in call/testing/evaluation/selection/approval/production verification/acquisition; monitors and evaluates the shift related to privatization of DECS textbook provision; assists DECS in securing budgets for instructional materials; and monitors/ensures equitable distribution and efficient delivery of books to public schools by private publishers/booksellers.
Within not more than three (3) years from the effectivity of the Book Act.
Rule VIII covers fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for registered entities; duty-free importation of books and raw materials with quality/volume monitoring; and VAT exemption. It provides that books, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, including book publishing and printing, as well as their distribution and circulation, are exempt from the coverage of the Expanded Value Added Tax Law.
For individuals: a fine not exceeding P100,000.00 or imprisonment not more than five (5) years or both, at the discretion of the court. For juridical entities: fine not exceeding P500,000.00; and responsible president/officials: fine not exceeding P700,000.00. Additionally, forfeiture of all benefits granted under the Book Act may apply.
Fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.