Children’s book illustrators hold national workshop in Lake Sebu

LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato — Twelve artists from across the Philippines gathered for "Sugilanon: Pambansang Palihan sa Pagguhit ng Aklat Pambata," a national workshop on children’s book illustration organized by Room to Read in partnership with Soccsksargen-based publishing house Aklat Alamid.

The workshop was held from February 2 to 6, 2026 at Sa Balai Lake View Resort and carried the theme “Pagdiriwang sa mga Tinig na Di Naririnig” (Celebrating the Voices of the Unheard), highlighting stories that amplify marginalized voices.

These narratives were written during last year’s national writing workshop in Guimaras and will be published by independent presses including Kasingkasing Press, Aklat Mirasol, Pawikan Press, Piko Press, Savage Mind Publishing House, Ili Press, Isang Balangay Media Productions and Aklat Alamid.

Room to Read Senior Advisor Alfredo Santos led the facilitators, joined by multi-awarded illustrators Liza Flores and Rommel Joson and Noel Galon de Leon of Kasingkasing Press.

The opening featured a ritual and cultural performance by Linda Osman and Gono Sbung, followed by lectures on Tboli traditional arts from cultural masters Myrna Pula and Maria Todi.

Artist fellows — including Cyrill Acuña, Ja Amores, Aaron Asia, Alyssa Babasa, Arvi Delos Reyes, Dani Go, Tin Javier, Gelai Manabat, Luce Melegrito, Arantxa Orig, Jeannelle Pita and Iggy Rodriguez — underwent intensive sessions on character creation, storyboarding, cover design, kid-testing and spread illustration.

They also visited the workhouses of National Living Treasures Bundos Fara and Barbara Ofong. A parallel meeting explored the establishment of a community children’s library in Lake Sebu, attended by representatives from local libraries, cultural hubs and social welfare offices.

Room to Read, an international nonprofit, continues to collaborate with communities, publishers and governments worldwide to foster literacy and a love of reading among primary school children.