The National Library of Albania now includes the Albanian edition of Florante at Laura, Francisco Balagtas’ epic poem set in the fictional Kingdom of Albania.

In a news release on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that five copies of the book will be available for Albanian readers—marking the first work by a Filipino author to be part of the library’s collection.

The DFA said the launch on April 15 is a “significant milestone in Philippines-Albania cultural relations,” enhancing access to Filipino literature in Tirana.

The translation was initiated by the Philippine Embassy in Rome, which has jurisdiction over Albania, in partnership with the National Book Development Board of the Philippines (NBDB).

Philippine Non-Resident Ambassador to Albania Neal Imperial highlighted that Florante at Laura holds the unique distinction of being the only Filipino poem that has remained continuously in publication since its release in 1838.

“Through this translation, Albanian readers can now discover the richness of Filipino literary tradition and perhaps find reflections of their own experiences and values in the characters of Florante and Laura,” Imperial said.
“I hope it sparks a deeper curiosity about Philippine culture, language, and our shared humanity.”

The Albanian edition was published in April with the support of an NBDB translation grant, in collaboration with Ombra Publishing.

A special edition is also set to be released for the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, where the Philippines will be the guest of honor.

During the launch, Ombra Publishing distributed copies to distinguished guests, including Albanian academics, journalists, writers, poets, publishers, and members of the Filipino community in Albania.

Among the notable attendees were Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Philippine Honorary Consul Loritan Prespa, and Consul LV De Guzman.