Development of Philippine Book Publishing Industry

"Book": Printed non-periodical publication of at least 48 pages published locally.
"Textbook": Book for classroom instruction of generally accepted principles.
"Book Title": Refers to a particular book with multiple printed copies.
"National Book Policy": State’s philosophy for book development measures.
"National Book Development Plan": Integrated approach for balanced growth of book production and distribution.
Other terms defined include National Development, Book Publishing, Book Development, and Related Activities.

Foster conditions for book development, including acquisition of advanced technology.
Prioritize the book publishing industry.
Ensure accessible, affordable, quality books across all populations.
Promote readership, especially among youth and neo-literates, through literacy programs and libraries.
Support indigenous authorship and translations.
Encourage publication of scientific, technical, classic literature.
Enhance domestic and international book distribution systems.
Develop personnel skills via training and formal education.
Protect intellectual property rights and enforce copyright laws.
Affirm commitment to international agreements on information flow.
Encourage environmentally friendly materials to reduce cost.

Include measures to realize the national policy's goals.
Conduct surveys on paper supply, equipment, manpower, legislation, training capability, reading habits.
Consult stakeholders in book industry formulation.
Plan components: human resource development, ethical guidelines, address communication gaps, mechanisms for balanced development.
Produce instructional materials tailored for diverse readers including minorities and special education groups.
Address identified industry challenges.

Persons and enterprises involved in book publishing and related activities must register with the National Book Development Board.

Eleven members appointed by the President; comprising government and private sector representatives.
Government reps from DECS, DTI, DOST, NCCA, CHED, TESDA.
Private sector reps from publishers, printers, writers, related industries, students, and private education.
Members serve three-year terms; no more than two consecutive terms.
The Board falls under administrative supervision of the Office of the President.

The Board has a Secretariat headed by an Executive Officer and Deputy Executive Officer.
Appointed by the President; must be Filipino, at least 30 years old, competent, and of integrity.
Executive Officer manages daily operations, implements Board policies, represents Board in transactions, submits reports, hires personnel.
Deputy Executive Officer assists and acts in absence of Executive Officer.
Secretariat’s organizational structure and staffing are approved by the Board.

DECS consults the Board in setting guidelines for textbooks used in public schools.
DECS responsible for preparing learning competencies, testing and approval, and assisting in distribution.
Printing of textbooks to be decentralized regionally when feasible.
DECS to phase out textbook publishing within three years, shifting function to private publishers monitored by the Board.

Registered entities entitled to fiscal and non-fiscal incentives per the Omnibus Investment Code.
Book development included in the Investment Priorities Plan.
Duty-free importation of books and raw materials monitored strictly with sanctions for violations.
Books and related print media exempt from expanded value-added tax.

The Board, in coordination with BOI, BOC, and other agencies, to issue guidelines within 120 days after effectivity.
Guidelines to be published in newspapers and furnished Congress.

Fines up to P100,000 or imprisonment up to five years, or both, for individuals.
Juridical entities face up to P500,000 fines; officials may face up to P700,000 fines.
Violators may forfeit benefits received under the Act.
SEC empowered to impose administrative sanctions.

Assets, funds, and liabilities of Instructional Material Corporation and Development Center under DECS to be transferred to the Board.

Board to be constituted within 180 days.
Other government offices with similar functions shall cease and transfer powers to the Board.
DECS to maintain only necessary office related to textbook program.
Employees not absorbed by the Board or DECS to receive gratuity and retirement benefits.
Unexpended funds from IMDC and IMC to revert to the Board.

If any provision is declared unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.
Executive Order No. 492 and inconsistent laws or rules repealed or modified accordingly.

Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.