Philippine books in Laos National Library

MANILA, Philippines - A collection of nearly 400 Philippine books were formally turned over by the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Lao PDR to the Lao National Library to promote better knowledge and understanding of the Philippines and contribute to further enhancing warm relations between the two countries.

The turnover last Aug. 25 was led by Philippine Ambassador to the Lao PDR Marilyn Alarilla and formally accepted by Kongdeuane Nettavong, director general of the Lao National Library.

The Philippine books were openly displayed inside the Embassy during the ceremony, enabling guests to appreciate them before these were delivered to the Lao National Library.

The books were mainly about Philippine culture, landscapes and historical sites, corporate social responsibility, local governance and peace education, among others.

The books are to be displayed inside a designated Philippine Section at the Lao National Library.

The materials are expected to spark interest among Lao students and teachers, researchers, travelers, tourists, business persons, and the general public about the Philippines. The initiative will also enhance Philippine-Laos diplomatic relations, which started in 1955.

Laos is home to a significant number of OFWs, mostly high-skilled and professional workers working on various projects in the country.

The books are made available through the book solicitation program of the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane from various Philippine government agencies and universities, companies and private foundations, as well as Filipino authors and individuals.

In her speech during the turnover ceremony, Alarilla said that the Philippine Section at the Lao National Library is a “living project” as the Embassy will continue with its program of soliciting books for the Lao library to promote better knowledge and understanding of the Philippines, and thus contribute to further enhancing the warm relations between the governments of Laos and the Philippines.

In response, Kongdeuane extended her gratitude, on behalf of the Lao National Library and the Lao Government, to the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane for its initiative in donating valuable reference materials about the Philippines which will surely help Lao readers and the general public in their research and other study projects.