In the world of children’s book publishing in the Philippines, there is a sense of frustration and disappointment brewing among local authors and independent publishers. The cause of this discontent? Vice President Sara Duterte’s planned P10-million print of her self-authored children’s book. This move has sparked criticism and raised questions about the allocation of government funds for such a project.
Children’s book authors and independent publishers in the Philippines face numerous challenges when it comes to getting their work into the hands of young readers. High production costs and limited print runs by local publishing houses result in steep book prices, making it difficult for local authors to reach a wider audience. The news of Duterte’s extravagant printing budget has shed light on the struggles faced by these writers in a country where reading advocacy is already on shaky ground.
The process of Duterte’s self-publication using taxpayer money has raised eyebrows among Filipino writers. Questions have been raised about the transparency of the decision-making process and the justification for such a large sum of money being allocated for one individual’s book. Independent publishers have expressed concerns about the irregularity of the situation and the lack of clarity surrounding the approval and determination of the printing costs.
One independent publisher delved into the logistics of book printing and highlighted the discrepancy between the estimated cost of Duterte’s book and the actual production expenses. The publisher revealed that the price per copy could be significantly lower if a larger number of prints were ordered, making the proposed price ceiling of P50 per copy seem inflated. This revelation has added fuel to the fire of criticism surrounding Duterte’s book project.
The Office of the Vice President has defended the budget proposal for the book, stating that the cost per copy may decrease during the bidding process. They emphasized that market surveys were conducted to determine the proposed budget and that further assessments would be made to ensure accuracy and transparency in the final contract price.
The limited grants available to children’s book writers in the Philippines further compound the challenges faced by local authors. While there is no shortage of talent in the country, the financial burden of publishing often hinders writers from reaching a wider audience. Government grants, such as those provided by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, offer some relief, but competition for these grants is fierce, leaving many authors struggling to fund their projects.
The disparity between the costs of printing local children’s books and foreign publications sold in the Philippines highlights the need for more support for local authors. Indie Publishers Collab Philippines, a group of independent publishers, has voiced their concerns about the lack of resources available to produce and distribute locally-published books. They see Duterte’s book project as a missed opportunity to support a wider range of children’s writers and promote Philippine literature on a national scale.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte’s children’s book project has brought to light the challenges faced by children’s book authors and independent publishers in the Philippines. The disparity in funding and support for local writers compared to high-profile projects like Duterte’s book highlights the need for greater transparency, accountability, and equity in the country’s literary landscape. As the debate continues, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that Filipino authors have the resources and opportunities they need to share their stories with the world.