Doulos Hope Returns to Puerto Princesa and Cebu

The MV Doulos Hope, the world’s premier floating book fair, is setting sail back to the Philippines in late 2024, bringing a treasure trove of books to the ports of Cebu and Puerto Princesa. This unique vessel, operated by the non-profit Gute Bücher für Alle (Good Books for All), continues its mission of promoting literacy and education by offering a wide array of affordable books from across the globe.

Doulos Hope: A Voyage of Education and Culture Docking in the Philippines

Whether you’re a book lover, a curious visitor, or an advocate for global cultural exchange, this event promises an unforgettable experience!

“Hello! Filipinos! We are so excited to announce that Doulos Hope is coming back to the Philippines,” according to an update posted on Doulos Hope Facebook Page.

A Reading Haven in Palawan

From September 25 to October 8, 2024, the Doulos Hope will anchor at Puerto Princesa port, offering visitors an incredible opportunity to explore the world of books. Operating from 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the ship opens its doors to the public, creating a space where visitors can engage in a diverse selection of literature and cultural exchanges.

This stopover not only enriches the local community with access to literature but also contributes to the cultural exchange that Doulos Hope is known for, making it a must-visit event in Palawan. And for those in Cebu, the excitement doesn’t end here!

Cebu Awaits the Arrival of Doulos Hope

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Cebu District is gearing up for the much-anticipated arrival of the MV Doulos Hope, a renowned floating library, scheduled to dock at Pier 5 in Cebu City from October 14 to November 12, 2024.

Recently, BOC Cebu District Collector Romeo Allan Rosales welcomed Atty. Florimae Velasco, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR), and Herbert Lenhert Plantores of Gute Bücher für Alle (GBA) Ships during a courtesy visit to discuss preparations for the vessel’s arrival.

Rosales, along with Deputy Collector for Operations Elizabeth De Las Llagas, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) District Commander SPCAPT. Abdila Maulana Jr., and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Chief IOIII Carlo Bautista, held talks with Atty. Velasco and Plantores, focusing on the necessary measures to ensure the secure docking of the MV Doulos Hope throughout its month-long stay in Cebu.

This unique vessel, a former cruise ship, is eagerly awaited by the community as it serves as a floating library, providing access to a wide selection of books and educational materials to the public.

Rosales expressed the Port’s readiness to fully support the ship’s arrival, highlighting the importance of this cultural initiative.

“We are excited to welcome the MV Doulos Hope to the Port of Cebu. This initiative not only fosters cultural exchange but also provides our community with unparalleled access to educational resources,” said Rosales in a statement posted on the BOC Cebu’s Facebook page.

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He further emphasized BOC-Cebu’s commitment to facilitating the smooth entry of the MV Doulos Hope and supporting its mission to promote literacy and education within the local community.

Atty. Velasco mentioned that the MV Doulos Hope mobilization team had reached out to OPASCOR for assistance in coordinating with various port authorities, including the BOC and the Cebu Port Authority, to ensure the vessel’s smooth arrival and operations.

The MV Doulos Hope last visited Cebu in May 2015, and its return is highly anticipated by book lovers and educational advocates in the city.