Declaration of April as National Literature Month

The declaration is grounded on Section 15, Article XIV of the Constitution, which provides for the patronage of arts and letters by the State.
The State must conserve, promote, and popularize the Nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.
The proclamation recognizes that Philippine literature in different Philippine languages is part of the State’s history and cultural legacy and must be promoted among Filipinos.
The proclamation links national literature to the preservation and inspiration of present literature and to the introduction of Filipino values to future generations.
The proclamation aligns the month of April with internationally observed book and intellectual property celebrations occurring in April each year.

The proclamation declares that April of every year is Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino or National Literature Month.
The declaration centers the celebration on the commemoration of Francisco Balagtas Baltazar Day and the birth and death anniversaries of literary pillars including Emilio Jacinto, Paciano Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Edith Tiempo, and Bienvenido Lumbera.
The proclamation recognizes April observances such as International Children’s Book Day, International Day of the Book or World Book Day, and World Intellectual Property Rights Day.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) act as lead agencies.
The lead agencies must prepare the activities and events relating to the celebration of National Literature Month.
The lead agencies must coordinate the activities and events relating to the celebration.
The lead agencies must implement the activities and events relating to the celebration.
The lead agencies work with affiliate agencies, including the National Book Development Board, and other concerned stakeholders.

All departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the government are directed to participate in the celebration.
Government-owned or -controlled corporations are included among the entities directed to participate.
Government participation is directed in support of the NCCA, KWF, and other concerned agencies.

Non-governmental organizations are encouraged to participate in the celebration.
The private sector is encouraged to participate in the celebration.
Participation by non-governmental organizations and the private sector is to render assistance to the NCCA, KWF, and other concerned agencies.

The National Book Development Board supports the declaration by participating as an affiliate agency.
The proclamation contemplates participation by “other concerned stakeholders” in support of the celebration.
The NCCA and KWF serve as the coordinating center among government and non-governmental participants.

The proclamation is signed by Benigno S. Aquino III as President.
The proclamation is attested by Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive Secretary.
The proclamation is executed with the seal of the Republic of the Philippines being affixed.