The Annual Celebration of National Bible Week for the Catholic Faithful started on the first week of Advent in 1972 as a way of participating in the International Book Year by the United Nations. The celebration every last week of January became official when President Corazon C. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 44. This was later followed up by President Fidel V. Ramos in PP 1067 which recognized that "national attention be focused on the importance of reading and studying the Bible in molding the spiritual, moral and social fiber of our citizenry." These two Presidential Proclamations were actually an affirmation of an earlier PP 1923 by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos on October 27, 1979, in recognition of the Bible as "an excellent source of principles for the development of moral and personal discipline" for Filipinos. Basic Ecclesial Communities and Churches come together in celebration through parades, motorcades, rallies, recollection, Bible Quizzes, symposia, ecumenical gatherings, bible enthronements and gospel sharing. Homilies focus on the yearly themes during the National Bible Sunday which is the culminating event of the week. Gospel festivals that carry the annual theme bring together the children, the young and the adults in a day of biblical song and music to celebrate the Word. Posters and streamers, radio programs and text message call the attention of the public to this annual event of reading, praying, singing and dancing the Word of God.
2019
The Bible: Real Talk
Psalm 19:7-8; 2 Tim 3:14-17
2018
The Bible is the foundation of righteous leadership and living.
2017
2016
2015
Sharing God’s Word, Empowering the Poor, Transforming the Land
Lk. 6:20, Ps. 41:1
2014 MAY THEY BE ONE
Engaging Every Family in Proclaiming and Living the Word
Matthew 7:24, Joshua 24:15b
2013 MAY THEY BE ONE
Proclaim the Word, Profess the Faith
2 Tim 4:2 NAB
2012 MAY THEY BE ONE
Proclaiming God’s Word Towards National Transformation
John 17:21, Jonah 3:1-10, Mt 5:13-16
2011 MAY THEY BE ONE
Becoming One Nation in the Steward of Creation
John 17:21, Psalm 8:3-6
2010 MAY THEY BE ONE
The Word of God is the Life and Mission of the Church
John 17:21
2009 May They Be One
John 17:21
2008
God’s Word: Source of Justice, Reconciliation and Peace
Micah 6:8, 2 Cor. 5:17-20
2007
God’s Word: The Standard of Justice and Right Living.
Prov. 14:34, 2 Tim 3:16,17
2006
God’s Word: Power for National Renewal.
Ps. 1:1-3, Titus 3:3-6
2005
God’s Word: Foundation of Unity and Transformation
Rom. 12:1-2, 4-5, Micah 4:3-4
2004
God’s Word: Living Hope and Lasting Peace
Lamentations 3:21-24, Romans 15:4-13
2003
The Word of God Strengthens Family Values
Gen. 1:27-28, Deut. 6:1-9, Eph 5:21 ? 6:4
2002
The Word of God Builds Up the Family
Deut. 4:9-10, Acts 20:32
2001
The Word of God: A Blessing for All Nations
Ps. 16 and Acts 2:28
2000
Word of God: Jesus Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Heb. 13:8, John 1:1-4
1999
God’s Word: Hope for Justice and Peace
Isa. 54:13-14
1998
Live God’s Word, Build a Better World
Luke 6:46-49
