I was able to join the very first bookstore tour in celebration of National Literature Month (NLM) in 2016. It had been a lot of fun and learning! From Manila to Baguio, we had interesting lectures and appreciation of the bookstores that displayed Filipino authors on their windows. Now, it’s April once again, and there are exciting activities lined up to celebrate Philippine literature.
I attended the media conference on March 20 in Intramuros where fellow Quezonin and famous poet Victor Emmanuel "Vim" Nadera, PhD performed before members of the press. His message was clear: that his favorite media are ones that tell the truth. That is a very strong statement, as truth telling these days is almost hard to come by. Yes, even in national dailies, not just among the so-called influencers.
In that occasion, Prof. Michael Corroza, outgoing Head of the National Committee on Language and Translation and Head of the Technical Working Group discussed the rationale while Atty. Marites Barrios-Taran, Director General of Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) gave a message being a partner agency for the celebration.
The lineup of activities in store were provided by Julieta Mallari, PhD of the National Committee on Literature, Angelica Ellazar of the KWF, and Kathrine Dean who represented the National Book Development Board (NBDB).
A webinar series called Reading the National Artists features NAs for Literature and their works like Francisco Arcellana and NVM Gonzales. There will be competitions in the form of folk songs like Timpalak Florentino H. Hornedo, Timpalak Komposo, Timpalak Leleng, and Ligligan Poesyang Makuyad. On the other hand, Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas (UMPIL) will have its 49th National Congress and the 36th Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas. It is going to be a gathering of writers where they will discuss current national issues. Outstanding literary groups will be recognized with Gawad Pedro Bukaneg, while outstanding teachers who have inspired other writers to also become writers will be awarded with Gawad Paz Marquez Benitez.
Culture of Unity or "Kultura ng Pagkakaisa: Pagsisiyasat ng Pagkakaisa sa Pamamagitan ng Panitikan” is this year’s theme. Its goal is to explore unity in every Filipino that ushers to nation-building, discover the role of artists and how literature can spread unity in this era of fake news that sows division among the citizens of this country. With the celebration of NLM, we can expect to enlighten more people on the importance of truth-telling and get more citizens to promote truth instead of lies.
Yes, literature can unite society.