Section 2Sec./Art. 2

Declaration of Policy. - It is recognized that the book publishing industry has a significant role in national development, considering that books which are its products are instrumental in the citizenry's intellectual, technical and cultural development - the basic social foundation for the economic and social growth of the country. Books are the most effective and economical tools for achieving educational growth, for imparting information and for recording, preserving, and disseminating the nation's cultural heritage.

Accordingly, it is hereby declared a policy of the State to promote the continuing development of the book publishing industry, with the active participation of the private sector, to ensure an adequate supply of affordable, quality-produced books not only for the domestic but also for the export market. For this purpose, the Government shall formulate, adopt, and implement a National Book Policy and a corresponding National Book Development Plan that will serve as the enduring basis for fostering the progressive growth and viability of the book industry.