FEU Institute of Technology’s Educational Innovation and Technology Hub (EdITH) Founding Director, Dr. Manuel B. Garcia, recently received the Registered Author/Writer status from the National Book Development Board (NBDB), a government agency under the Department of Education (DepEd), adding to the several awards and distinctions under his belt.

Dr. Garcia, a professor of information technology at FEU Institute of Technology, has published numerous articles and books throughout his career, often collaborating with like-minded individuals and professionals who offer similar insights into their respective fields.

An Educator and a Trailblazer

The esteemed educator’s interdisciplinary research interest includes topics that, individually or collectively, cover education and information technology disciplines.

One of his recent publications is “Transformative Approaches to Patient Literacy and Healthcare Innovation,” an international collaboration with Rui Pedro de Almeida and other industry experts. It offers a comprehensive solution to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology by delving into the dynamic fusion of these domains, unraveling the transformative power of technology applications, and showcasing how they enhance health literacy and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Dr. Garcia also authored other books, including "Emerging Technologies for Health Literacy and Medical Practice”, "Handbook of Research on Instructional Technologies in Health Education and Allied Disciplines" and "Socioeconomic Inclusion During an Era of Online Education," along with several journal articles and book chapters.

The latest Elsevier and Scopus citation rankings in 2023 recognized Dr. Garcia as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists, ranking 24th out of 50 in the Philippines.

As of writing, he has published four books, eight book chapters, 41 conference papers, 23 journal articles, and three letters throughout his career in education.

Benefits of the Status

The NBSB is the leading catalyst for building a culture of reading and authorship and an environment for the growth of the book publishing industry towards making it globally competitive.

It awards the Registered Author/Writer status to those who completed the registration process with the government agency.

Additionally, the status provides several exclusive benefits, including access to NBDB’s various resources like surveys, research materials, and publications related to the book industry, inclusion in the NBDB Online Registry, potentially increasing visibility, and a connection to a network of other Filipino authors to pave the way for opportunities for collaboration or participation in NBDB events.

Moreover, the status also serves as a form of recognition by a government agency, potentially enhancing your credibility within the publishing industry.

Easy and Straightforward Registration

While registration isn’t mandatory for writing, the Registered Author/Writer status can be a stepping stone for those seeking to enter the publishing industry officially or legitimize their work to establish credibility among their readers and peers.

As of writing, the online registration for individuals is free until June 30, 2024. Check the NBDB website for any updates regarding fees or the registration process itself.

The registration process is straightforward, with requirements and procedures available online at https://books.gov.ph/nbdb-online-registration/.

Overall, registering with the NBDB provides authors with valuable resources, professional recognition, and opportunities for growth within the Philippine literary scene. Dr. Garcia is among those who received the distinguished status, unlocking its potential for education development and more.