The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, led by Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, donated Filipino children’s books and other publications to the Collège de la Sagesse St. Jean Brasilia on 30 March 2023.

The Philippine Embassy, in partnership with the Collège de la Sagesse St. Jean Brasilia, celebrated the first Philippine Cultural Week Festival last 13-17 March 2023, where the school featured Philippine culture and history through various works and activities. As part of the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to engage Lebanese academic institutions and enhance people-to-people ties, Ambassador Balatbat presented Philippine books to Fr. Chlouk that can be added to the school library’s collection. The donated Filipiniana book collection ranges from coffee table books on Philippine textiles and cuisines and storybooks with Filipino and English translations from Adarna House, Inc. for early grade school students.

During the Cultural Week Festival, Collège de la Sagesse St. Jean Brasilia conducted storytelling activities which featured “Cora Cooks Pancit”. The Embassy provided materials for other stories such as Magic Mat, Bakawan, and Ang Ambisyosong Istetoskop.

Storytelling in classrooms using Filipino storybooks with morals and values fosters a deeper appreciation of Filipino cultural heritage. The turnover of children’s books seeks to further promote Filipino traditions through arts and literature among the Lebanese youth.