📖 Introduction
Compared to Europe or the United States, the Philippine publishing industry is relatively young — but it carries a powerful legacy shaped by education, journalism, faith, and nation-building. From early newspaper presses to textbook pioneers and independent literary houses, Filipino publishers have played a vital role in shaping public discourse, preserving culture, and expanding access to knowledge.
Despite economic shifts, digital disruption, and changing reading habits, several publishing businesses founded in the 20th century continue to operate as of 2026. These organizations span newspapers, academic presses, educational publishers, and trade imprints — each contributing in its own way to Philippine literature and learning.
Below are ten of the oldest publishing businesses in the Philippines that are still operating today, along with their official websites.
📰 1. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation (1900 – Present)
Website: https://mb.com.ph/
Founded in 1900, Manila Bulletin is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating publishing company in the Philippines. What began as a shipping journal evolved into one of the country’s major newspapers and media publishers, now operating across print and digital platforms.
📚 2. National Book Store (1942 – Present)
Website: https://www.nationalbookstore.com/
Established during World War II, National Book Store grew from a small bookstore into the country’s largest book and school-supply retailer, while also functioning as a publisher and distributor of educational and reference materials nationwide.
📘 3. Rex Book Store (1950 – Present)
Website: https://www.rexestore.com/
Rex Book Store is one of the Philippines’ most influential educational publishers, producing textbooks and learning resources used by millions of students. Since 1950, Rex has remained central to Philippine basic and legal education.
🏫 4. University of the Philippines Press (1965 – Present)
Website: https://press.up.edu.ph/
As the official publishing arm of the national university, UP Press focuses on scholarly works, Filipino authors, history, and social sciences. It continues to play a major role in academic publishing and cultural preservation.
🎓 5. Ateneo de Manila University Press (1978 – Present)
Website: https://ateneopress.com/
Ateneo Press publishes academic titles, theology, philosophy, and Filipino literature. Since its founding, it has helped elevate Philippine scholarship and remains one of the country’s leading university presses.
📖 6. OMF Literature (1978 – Present)
Website: https://omflit.com/
OMF Literature is among the Philippines’ longest-running Christian publishers, producing books in English and Filipino focused on faith, family, leadership, and personal growth.
📚 7. Bookmark Inc. (1980 – Present)
Website: https://www.bookmark.com.ph/
Bookmark Inc. is a well-known Filipino trade publisher recognized for children’s books, Filipino authors, and culturally relevant titles. It has maintained a strong presence in local bookstores for over four decades.
🦒 8. Giraffe Books (1980 – Present)
Website: https://giraffebooks.ph/
Specializing in children’s literature, Giraffe Books has helped shape early Filipino reading experiences through locally written and illustrated titles, remaining active in educational publishing as of 2026.
📗 9. Alemar-Phoenix Publishing House (1960 – Present)
Website: https://www.alemarphoenix.com/
Alemar-Phoenix is a long-standing educational publisher known for textbooks and reference materials used in Philippine schools, particularly in science and mathematics.
📕 10. Anvil Publishing (1990 – Present)
Website: https://www.anvilpublishing.com/
Though younger than some on this list, Anvil Publishing has become one of the Philippines’ most respected independent publishers, championing Filipino authors, history, and contemporary nonfiction while maintaining continuous operations since 1990.
🌍 Conclusion
The Philippine publishing industry may not span five centuries, but its surviving institutions reflect resilience, cultural commitment, and adaptability. From century-old newspapers to university presses and textbook pioneers, these publishers have weathered wars, economic cycles, and technological change — while continuing to educate, inform, and inspire Filipinos.
As of 2026, these ten publishing businesses stand as pillars of Philippine print culture. Together, they represent more than commercial enterprises: they are stewards of learning, storytellers of national identity, and bridges between generations — proving that even in a digital age, meaningful publishing continues to thrive.