Calgary, 25 April 2024 – In celebration of National Literature Month (Buwan ng Panitikan) in the Philippines, the Airdrie Public Library has unveiled special shelves for the 16 Filipiniana books donated by the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary on 19 January 2024.

The PCG solicited these books on Philippine history and culture from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 

The collection includes the writings of Philippine national artists F. Sionil Jose and Virgilio Almario (a.k.a Rio Alma) and acclaimed diplomat-writer Leo Ma. Guerrero.

Some books tell the stories of Philippine heroes Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, and Gregorio Del Pilar.

Also available is the English translation of Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Mallat de Bassilan (Jean Mallat)'s book “The Philippines,” first published in 1846, which gives an account of the history, geography, and customs of the Philippines in the 19th century.

“I encourage the public to borrow these rare Filipiniana books that are now available at the Airdrie Public Library so that they will have a greater understanding of the Philippines and the Filipino people,” said Consul General Zaldy Patron.

Consul General Zaldy B. Patron (center left) with Ms. Deb Cryderman, Director of the Airdrie Public Library (center right), Councillor Tina Petrow of the City of Airdrie (4th from right), Deputy Consul General Victorio M. Dimagiba, Jr. (3rd from right) and the officers of the Knights of Rizal Chapters of Airdrie and Calgary, Alberta, Canada, at the unveiling of the Filipiniana corner at the Airdrie Public Library.