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LIST: Winning titles at the 43rd National Book Awards

By Gideon Tinsay Published Feb 18, 2026 2:54 pm

The 30 winners of the National Book Awards in 2026 have been revealed.

In a Facebook post, the National Book Development Board and the Filipino Critics Circle announced the winning titles in the 43rd edition of the book awards.

Among 385 titles in 30 categories in languages like Filipino, English, Hiligaynon, and Kinaray-a, 139 works were chosen as finalists. From there, 30 were determined as winners. 

Below is the complete list of winners.

Literary Division
  • Best Novel in English — Isabela by Kaisa Aquino, Ateneo de Manila University Press
  • Best Novel in Filipino — Antimarcos by Khavn, Ateneo de Manila University Press
  • National Artist Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English — Sojourner, Settler, Seer by Charlson Ong, Milflores Publishing, Inc.
  • Gerardo P. Cabochan Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino — Tatlong Proposisyon ng Puting Hangin by Luna Sicat Cleto, Isang Balangay Media Productions
  • Pablo A. Tan Prize for Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in English — Weaving Basey: A Poet's History of Home by Dinah Roma, Katig Writers Network, Inc.
  • Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Filipino — Tokhang at Iba Pang Nanlabang Sanaysay by Vim Nadera, University of the Philippines Press
  • Best Anthology in English — Mapping New Stars: A Sourcebook on Philippine Speculative Fiction edited by Gabriela Lee, Anna Felicia Sanchez and Sydney Paige Guerrero, University of the Philippines Press
  • Best Anthology in Filipino — Ragasa: Apat na Dekada ng Pagsulong ng mga Kuwentistang Katha edited by Rolando B. Tolentino, Romulo P. Baquiran Jr., Honorio Bartolome de Dios and Francine Y. Medina, University of the Philippines Press
  • Best Book of Literary Criticism or Cultural Studies — Ang Bayang Panitikan: Ang Pagtatanghal ng Kabanalan sa Pakil, Laguna by Jerry C. Respeto, Ateneo de Manila University Press
  • Best Book of Literary History — Collected Essays I: Philippine Theater History and Genres by Nicanor G. Tiongson, Ateneo de Manila University Press
  • Best Book on Media Studies — Disconnected Media and Other Essays by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., De la Salle University Publishing House
  • Philippine Literary Arts Council Prize for Best Book of Poetry in English — With Decade by Austere Rex Gamao, Grana-PH Book Publishing
  • Victorio C. Valledor Prize for Best Book of Poetry in Filipino — Landas sa Ilang by Ronald Araña, Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), Inc.
  • Best Graphic Novel and Comics in English — Lucia Dreaming, Lucia Asul
  • Best Graphic Novel and Comics in Filipino — Elipsis, Ran Manansala
  • Best Translated Book — Doña Perfecta, Benito Pérez Galdós; translated by Wystan dela Peña
  • Best Book on Drama and Film — Natal/National: Three Plays by Guelan Varela-Luarca, Guelan Varela-Luarca
  • Best Book of Poetry in Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a — Humadapnon (Ginlawan) Sugidanon (Epics) of Panay Book 8, Volume 4 researched by Alicia P. Magos and Anna Razel Limoso Ramirez; translated by Alicia Magos and team; chanter Federico “Tuohan” Caballero, The University of the Philippines Press
Non-Literary Division
  • Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Art — Haegue Yang: The Cone of Concern by Magdalen Chua, Joselina Cruz, Esther Lu, Leilani Lynch, Daisy Nam, Padmapani Perez, Haegue Yang and June Yap, De la Salle College of Saint Benilde and Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Manila
  • Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book in the Social Sciences — More Mindanawon Than We Admit: History, Culture, and Identity in the Philippine South by Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz, Vibal Foundation
  • Best Book in Philosophy — Towards a Mindanawon/Lumad Philosophy: The Filipino Philosophy of Brother Karl Gaspar, CSsR by Jerry D. Imbong, Alethea Printing and Publishing House
  • John C. Kaw Prize for Best Book on History — Typhoons: Climate, Society, and History in the Philippines by James Francis Warren, Ateneo de Manila University Printing Press
  • Best Book on Humor, Sports, and Lifestyle — The Call to Lead: Ignatian Wisdom and The Journey of Leading by Jake de Guzman, Ateneo de Manila University Printing Press
  • Best Book on Business — Covering Nanay: The Philippine Microinsurance Journey by Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Lorenzo O. Chan Jr., and Pia Benitez Yupangco, The Bookmark, Inc.
  • Best Book on Food — Secret Kitchens of Samar (Volumes 1 to 5) by Clang Garcia, Province of Samar
  • Best Book in Science — Birds of Subic Bay by Vinz Pascua, Bird of Focus, Inc.
  • Best Book in Spirituality and Theology — Discipleship For Today's Filipino: Ang Calling Ng Christian Para Sa Bayan by Rico Villanueva and Jayeel Cornelio, OMF Literature Incorporated
  • Best Book on Professions — The Road To Peace: Crafting the Bangsamoro Organic Law by Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
  • Hilarion and Esther Vibal Prize for Best Book in Journalism — Carabeef Lengua, Jose F. Lacaba, University of the Philippines Press
Design
  • Best Book Design — Matayog na Puno: The Life and Art of Hugo C. Yonzon, Jr. by designer Paula Yonzon, Yonzon Associates, Inc.

The National Book Awards is presented by the NBDB and the Manila Critics Circle, which aims to recognize the best literature written, designed, and published in the Philippines. This is in line with NBDB's mandate under R.A. 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act, which is to "promote the continuing development of the book publishing industry."

The awarding ceremony will be held on March 14, coinciding with the Philippine Book Festival, the board's flagship all-Filipino book fair at SM Megamall's Megatrade Hall.