National Bible Week: Transforming the Nation Through God’s Word

The annual celebration of National Bible Week by Philippine Bible Society is empowered by Presidential Proclamations No. 44 by President Corazon Aquino and Proclamation No. 1607 by President Fidel V. Ramos. Both decrees 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 country”.
Next year’s celebration carries the theme, Pagpapahayag ng Salita ng Diyos Tungo sa Pagbabago (Proclaiming God’s Word Towards National Transformation) and will be celebrated on January 23 – 29, 2012. Inspired by verses from Jonah 3:1- 10 and Matthew 5:17, it addresses the importance of the Word of God in bringing about a much needed change in our society. Leaders from various churches and organizations came up with the theme in response to the current administration’s goal of abolishing corruption and promoting the moral development of the people.
To kick off this grand celebration, PBS will conduct an I-Proclaim! event, a 12-hour continuous, public and ecumenical Bible-reading, which seeks to bring God’s Word closer to Filipinos and to encourage everyone to explore its riches and relevance to their lives. As more and more people read and study the Bible, the universal truths found in its pages will empower them to live with hope and courage even during unpredictable and trying times. Another highlight of the celebration will be the Handwritten Unity Bible, a historic undertaking that aims to unite Filipinos from all sectors by re-writing the Bible by hand. These activities are slated for January 13, 2012 at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.