Following the success of last year’s staging of the inaugural The Severino Reyes Medal, the International Board on Books for Young People – Philippines (IBBY-PH) is excited to announce that the awarding ceremony of this year’s winners will take place on May 21, 2025 at the National Library of the Philippines in Kalaw Avenue, City of Manila.
Now in its second edition The Severino Reyes Medal is organized by IBBY-Philippines in collaboration with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and professional librarian organizations: Philippine Librarians Association Inc. (PLAI), Association of Librarians in the Public Sector (ALPS), and Philippine Association of School Librarians Inc. (PASLI). As custodians of knowledge and champions of literacy, librarians play a pivotal role in shaping young readers’ literary experiences, hence their selection to the panel.
The annual event honors creative excellence in Filipino children’s and young adult literature, honoring the legacy of the beloved playwright and storyteller Severino Reyes, the creator of “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.” With a remarkable body of work comprising over 400 stories, Severino Reyes remains one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in Philippine literature, with his heirs actively supporting the awards named in his honor.
During the awarding ceremonies, this year’s winning authors, illustrators, and publishers will be presented with the Severino Reyes Medal and Plaque of Appreciation. Categories for awards are “Best Storybook”, “Best Picture Book”, and “Best Young Adult Book.” The Honor List selection will likewise receive a Plaque of Appreciation. Special citations will also be awarded to deserving honorees during the program.
This year’s selection committee meticulously reviewed hundreds of entries to curate the Honor List this year. Led by Dr. Dolores Carungui from NLP, the committee was composed of dedicated members from the partner library organizations, namely Jose Tomas Fernando and Melody Madrid from NLP; Carol Tapia from NBDB, Maria Victoria dela Cruz and Charito Basagre from PASLI; Easter Wahayna-Pablo and Lucila Raquino from ALPS; and Elisa Garcia and Kevin Conrad Tansiongco from PLAI.
IBBY Philippines is the national section of the International Board on Books for Young People, a global network of professionals and organizations dedicated to promoting children’s literature and literacy worldwide. IBBY-PH strives to enrich the lives of Filipino children through books, storytelling, and literacy initiatives. The IBBY-PH secretariat is led by Vibal Foundation, Inc.
