Luanda — The book entitled "Memórias De Icolo E Bengo - Figuras e famílias" (Icolo e Bengo Memories - figures and families) of the Angolan writer Filipe Mascarenhas, which is about the story of a family from Icolo e Bengo District, in the northern Bengo Province, was released last Monday at the premises of the Angolan Catholic University, in Luanda.

Speaking during the presentation of this literature work, the archbishop of Luanda, Dom Damião Franklim, said that the book will serve for people to learn more about the Angolan culture, as it is not only a work about this region, but also for the whole country.

"It is necessary to know about our history and culture, because if we know about our past then we will be able to project well the future. Thus, we will be contributing to the reconciliation of the Angolan people", he added.

On his turn, the author of the book, Filipe Mascarenhas, said that this literature work will serve as a support material for students, historians and everyone who is interested to learn about the reality of Icolo e Bengo District.

"The bibliography on this people is vast in various sectors of life, such as agriculture, education and sport, where they have given much of their knowledge for this region", he stressed.

Filipe Mascarenhas underlined that "the late first Angolan President, António Agostinho Neto, was born in Icolo e Bengo locality".

This literary work was prefaced by José Moreira Gama and it comprises 455 pages.

The book was edited by the company "Arte Viva", and is being sold at the price oft 10,000 Kwanzas (just over USD 100).

Filipe Martins Barbosa de Mascarenhas was born on 29 May 1951 in Luanda.