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Since its founding in 1953, the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has steadily expanded its global influence through a wide range of impactful projects and prestigious awardsβall rooted in a shared mission: to uphold every childβs right to become a reader by ensuring access to high-quality childrenβs literature.
In the Philippines, this mission takes shape through IBBY Philippines (IBBY-PH), in partnership with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) and other stakeholders, which in 2024 launched the Severino Reyes Medal. This national award recognizes exceptional publishers, authors, and illustrators who are shaping the growing field of Filipino childrenβs and young adult literature. Named after Severino Reyes, the renowned playwright and creator of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, the medal honors Reyesβ timeless legacy of storytelling that not only entertains but also teaches empathy, compassion, and cultural pride. The award was judged by various librarians representing different sectors.
NLP not only joins in celebrating creative excellence through the Severino Reyes Medal but also strengthens connections with both local and international partners and communities. These efforts are rooted in the Filipino value of kapwaβthe recognition of the self in othersβa lesson personified in the character of Lola Basyang, who gently imparts wisdom to her grandchildren through storytelling. By championing literature, NLP and its partners foster a worldview where empathy, understanding, and solidarity are cultivated through the shared power of stories. Here, literacy is more than a personal achievement; it is a bridge to collective growth, cultural pride, and national transformation.
Now in its second year, the Severino Reyes Medal awarding ceremony was held on May 21, 2025, at the Epifanio De Los Santos Auditorium of the National Library of the Philippines. The event was made possible through the support of several key organizations: the Philippine Librarians Association Inc. (PLAI), the Association of Librarians in the Public Sector (ALPS), the Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc. (PASLI), and the National Book Development Board (NBDB).
Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano of the National Library of the Philippines and Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade of the National Book Development Board graced the event, each delivering messages in strong support of the project. Their presence signified a united front between two key government agencies, underscoring a shared commitment to empowering the Filipino people through the creation of meaningful stories and ensuring that these stories are accessible to all.
As Severino Reyes once used his stories to impart values of compassion, respect, and cultural identityβencouraging readers to see themselves in othersβthe recipients of this yearβs awards continue that tradition. Their work reflects kapwa in its highest form: storytelling that recognizes our shared hopes, struggles, and humanity.
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Best Storybook: Nakikisilong by Eljay Castro Deldoc, illustrated by Richard Red C. Elli (Southern Voices Printing Press)
Best Picture Book: Sa Isang Batya by Christopher Rosales and Rommel Joson (Brilliant Creations Publishing)
Best Young Adult Literature: Oha: A Story Told in One Eternal Second by Krie R. Lopez, illustrated by Mikke Gallardo (Milflores Publishing)
Special Citation: Mga Tagapagtanggol ng Lupang Ninuno by Mon Sy, illustrated by Ara Villena (Adarna House, Inc.)
An honor list was also prepared for each category, recognizing the finalists who, while not selected as winners, produced notable works that deserve acknowledgment.
Following the awarding, the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Christine Bellen-Ang, a writer and playwright for children.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Kristine Mandigma, President of IBBY-PH and Executive Director of the Vibal Foundation. Through these award-winning works, young Filipino readers are invited to explore the world not only through the lens of imagination but also through empathy and connection. Each story serves as a mirror and a windowβhelping children better understand themselves, their community, and their place in the world.
As NLP, IBBY-PH, and their partners look ahead, they remain committed to nurturing a culture of reading that celebrates both universal themes and uniquely Filipino narratives. In honoring stories that echo the legacy of ππ¨π₯π πππ¬π²ππ§π , the Severino Reyes Medal continues to shape a future where every child can imagine, empathize, and grow through the power of literature.
