In the world of children’s book publishing in the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte’s plan to print her self-authored children’s book at a cost of P10 million has sparked controversy and raised questions among writers and publishers. The move has left many feeling disheartened, as they struggle to get their own works into the hands of young readers due to high production costs and limited runs of local publishing houses.
Children’s book authors and independent publishers have expressed concerns over the government’s decision to allocate such a large sum of money for Duterte’s book, questioning the need for taxpayer funds to support a single author’s project. The estimated cost of printing Duterte’s book has shed light on the challenges faced by local authors in getting their works published and distributed.
The lack of transparency surrounding the process and costs involved in Duterte’s self-publication using public funds has raised eyebrows among Filipino writers. Beverly Wico Siy and China Patria de Vera, two prominent voices in the children’s book publishing industry, have called for more accountability and openness in how government funds are allocated for literary projects.
One independent publisher, who chose to remain anonymous, delved into the economics of book printing and highlighted the discrepancy between the estimated cost of Duterte’s book and the actual production expenses. The publisher pointed out that the price per copy should be much lower given the volume of prints being produced, suggesting that the proposed ceiling of P50 per copy seems inflated.
The Office of the Vice President defended the cost estimate, stating that the price per copy may still decrease during the bidding process and that market surveys were conducted to determine the budget proposal. However, concerns remain about the use of public funds for a single author’s project when many local writers are struggling to get their works published.
Limited grants from organizations like the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) provide some relief for children’s book authors, but competition for these grants is fierce. Writers like Paul Padilla, a public school teacher and award-winning author, face financial challenges in self-publishing their works and reaching a wider audience.
The high costs associated with printing local children’s books contribute to the limited availability of these works in national bookstores, where foreign publications often dominate the shelves. Indie Publishers Collab Philippines, a group of independent publishers, expressed frustration over the lack of resources to produce and distribute their books on a larger scale, contrasting Duterte’s privileged position in securing government funding for her book.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte’s children’s book highlights the challenges faced by children’s book authors and independent publishers in the Philippines. The disparity in funding and resources for literary projects underscores the need for greater support for local writers and a more transparent allocation of government funds in the publishing industry.