Noli, Fili join book tower in Argentina

Manila, Philippines - Rizal’s novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” will be part of the Torre de Babel de Libros library project in Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to the National Book Development Board (NBDB), a government agency mandated to promote book reading and the development of the book industry.

The Torre de Babel de Libros or the Tower of Babel of Books is an idea conceptualized by the Argentine plastic artist Marta Minujín. It will be a 25-meter, seven-storey structure constructed from around 20,000 to 30,000 books written in different languages.

Located at a strategic point in the city of Buenos Aires, the Book Tower project serves to symbolize the rich diversity of literature, and to signify the importance of books in the dissemination of knowledge and ideas.

For 2011 to 2012, UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) has designated the city of Buenos Aires as the“World Book Capital City.”

According to Dr. Dennis Gonzalez, NBDB chair, the Noli and Fili were selected for the project because of their important contribution to the birth of Filipino nationhood. He added that publishers and other members of the local book industry are encouraged to participate, and it is hoped that around 200 books from the Philippines will be sent.

Gonzalez also revealed that the NBDB is hoping to get a major city in the Philippines to be declared World Book Capital City by UNESCO.