Legarda touts Pinoys’ historic book fair role

Senator Loren Legarda hailed the Philippines’ journey from having a modest presence to becoming the Guest of Honor at the opening of the Philippine Stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025.

“Almost a decade ago, we arrived with a modest booth and a flicker of hope,” Legarda said. “Today, the Filipino imagination stands at the center of the world’s largest book fair.”

Legarda, who served as the visionary and project principal for the country’s milestone role, emphasized that the stand represents more than just books; it symbolizes the “ecosystem of creativity that builds the soul of our nation.”

She also paid tribute to the writers, publishers, translators, designers, and cultural workers whose collective effort made the global presence possible.

Books supported through Legarda’s initiatives are featured at the stand, highlighting her commitment to cultural preservation and inclusive storytelling. The titles reflect a wide range of topics, including Hunting for Artifacts, Cordillera Heritage, Journey to Climate Resilience, and AFP in the Humanitarian Space.

The senator stressed that the Filipino imagination, expressed through its literature, transcends genre or geography. “It peoples the air, crosses oceans, and continues to grow and adapt to different tongues and forms,” she declared.

While celebrating the country’s literary success, Legarda also included a reminder to remain mindful of those outside the halls: “farmers, families, and communities still striving for justice, resilience and dignity.”

Closing with a line from the national anthem, Legarda affirmed the symbolic power of the Philippine Stand, inviting the global community to engage with Philippine literature as a force for connection and transformation.