Mindanawon/Lumad Philosophy Book Wins in the 43rd NBDB National Book Awards

Aletheia Publishing proudly congratulates Dr. Jerry D. Imbong, a faculty of Visayas State University, for winning Best Book in Philosophy in the National Book Development Board's 43rd National Book Awards.

His book Towards a Mindanawon/Lumad Philosophy: The Filipino Philosophy of Bro. Karl Gaspar, CSsR, offers a sustained and original engagement with the thought and praxis of Karl Gaspar, Redemptorist brother, anthropologist, award-winning writer, and cultural worker, situating his philosophy within the lived realities, struggles, and wisdom traditions of Mindanawon and Lumad communities. Through careful analysis and contextual reflection, the work articulates a philosophy rooted in place, culture, and a commitment to social justice, thereby expanding the horizons of Filipino philosophical discourse.

The prize affirms the book’s scholarly depth and its vital contribution to amplifying indigenous and regional voices in philosophy, underscoring the continuing relevance of Mindanawon/Lumad thought in shaping contemporary intellectual and ethical conversations.

Dr. Epifanio San Juan, a prominent critic and activist, notes in the book's blurb: "This book is a much-awaited introduction to the effort of Bro. Karl Gaspar in forging a Mindanawon/Lumad indigenous philosophy. Bro. Karl's resistance against U.S. Imperialism and its local oligarchs inspired multitudes. Prof. Imbong's initiative in calling attention to the plight of the Lumads is noteworthy. I hope this book can launch a spark that will kindle a prairie-fire of debate, argumentation, and inquiry into the neoliberal legitimization of our neocolonial predicament." 

Dr. Imbong's book bested three other outstanding titles: Kung Bakit May Mga Tanong Ang Buhay (published by Claretian Communications), Mula Bayang Sawi Hanggang Lupang Hinirang (published by Ateneo de Manila University Press), and Pilosopiya OPM Pag-ibig (published by Ateneo de Naga University).

An annual prize that honors the most outstanding titles written and published in the Philippines, the National Book Awards celebrates the enterprising creative labor involved in book publishing. Since 2008, it has been co-administered by the Filipino Critics Circle and National Book Development Board.

This marks Aletheia Publishing's sixth NBA nomination, and the second title from the Aletheia Philosophy Series to win this distinction. The awarding ceremony is scheduled on March 14, 2026, coinciding with the NBDB's flagship all-Filipino book fair, the Philippine Book Festival.

Get your copies of the book here.

 

Book on Mindanawon/Lumad Philosophy Earns Nomination in the 43rd NBDB National Book Awards

Aletheia Publishing proudly congratulates Dr. Jerry D. Imbong, a faculty of Visayas State University, on his book's nomination as a Finalist for Best Book in Philosophy in the National Book Development Board's 43rd National Book Awards.

His book Towards a Mindanawon/Lumad Philosophy: The Filipino Philosophy of Bro. Karl Gaspar, CSsR, offers a sustained and original engagement with the thought and praxis of Karl Gaspar, Redemptorist brother, anthropologist, award-winning writer, and cultural worker, situating his philosophy within the lived realities, struggles, and wisdom traditions of Mindanawon and Lumad communities. Through careful analysis and contextual reflection, the work articulates a philosophy rooted in place, culture, and a commitment to social justice, thereby expanding the horizons of Filipino philosophical discourse.

The nomination affirms the book’s scholarly depth and its vital contribution to amplifying indigenous and regional voices in philosophy, underscoring the continuing relevance of Mindanawon/Lumad thought in shaping contemporary intellectual and ethical conversations.

Dr. Epifanio San Juan, a prominent critic and activist, notes in the book's blurb: "This book is a much-awaited introduction to the effort of Bro. Karl Gaspar in forging a Mindanawon/Lumad indigenous philosophy. Bro. Karl's resistance against U.S. Imperialism and its local oligarchs inspired multitudes. Prof. Imbong's initiative in calling attention to the plight of the Lumads is noteworthy. I hope this book can launch a spark that will kindle a prairie-fire of debate, argumentation, and inquiry into the neoliberal legitimization of our neocolonial predicament."

An annual prize that honors the most outstanding titles written and published in the Philippines, the National Book Awards celebrates the enterprising creative labor involved in book publishing. Since 2008, it has been co-administered by the Filipino Critics Circle and National Book Development Board.

This marks Aletheia Publishing's sixth NBA nomination, and the third title from the Aletheia Philosophy Series to receive this distinction. The winners will be announced in February 2026.

Get your copies of the book here.

World Philosophy Day 2025

Honoring World Philosophy Day 2025 with a showcase of our philosophy publications, with deep gratitude to our esteemed writers and editors. Thank you for your enthusiastic support!

Aletheia Philosophy Series Title Nominated in the 40th National Book Awards

Aletheia Publishing is proud to announce that the first title of its Philosophy Series, Thought-Pieces: Nietzschean Reflections on Anti-foundationalism, Ethics, and Politics by Paolo A. Bolaños has been selected as a finalist in the Best Book in Philosophy category of the 40th National Book Awards.

It is worth noting that this is the first time the prestigious award-giving institution has added a Philosophy category, as previous winners with similar or related subjects were placed under Best Book in Social Sciences. (In fact, because there was no Philosophy category when the above title was submitted to NBDB for consideration, it was initially endorsed under the Social Sciences category.)

This recognition by NBDB should reverberate in Filipino philosophical communities, hopefully encouraging professionals and practitioners to write (and subsequently publish) more outputs besides textbooks.

Aletheia Philosophy Series was launched last 2022 as an alternative venue (other than university presses and journals) to promote the philosophical outputs of Filipino philosophers. For those interested to know more about this series, you may visit this page.

To purchase a copy, visit our Shopee store.