From Rizal's manuscripts to Marcos' inaugural Bible: Rare historical items free for viewing at National Library this August

Calling all history buffs! The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) has opened an exhibit filled with important items from our nation's history, which you can check out for free.

The Rare and Special Collections exhibit, under the custody of the Filipinana division, was opened on Aug. 11 as part of NLP's 135th founding anniversary. It's located on the second floor of the building and is open to public viewing for free throughout the month of August.

Go back in time and learn about our country's cultural heritage as you check out materials like the original manuscript and facsimile of Dr. Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, De Molucis Insulis (the first book written on the Philippines after Magellan’s expedition), The Philippine Incunabula (printed works produced by the native press when printing in the country is still in its infancy), Philippine Insurgent Records, and Acta de la Proclamacion de Independencia del Pueblo Filipino (Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence).

Other important books, letters, documents, photographs, and maps are also at the exhibit. Even the Bible Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. used during his inauguration this June 2022 is there.