The purpose of the event is to recognize and encourage the production of books that are of excellent quality in all aspects of bookmaking, from content production (writing and editing), book production (printing, binding, etc.), and book design
Even as we approach the mid-2020s, our society still contends with issues and concerns of workplace violence and harassment.
While seminars regarding these are common abroad, particularly in the light of #MeToo, they are by no means usual or mandatory here.
Thus, any effort toward bridging this gap and providing more information about how to understand these topics and conduct one’s self in regard to these matters in the workspace is most welcome and could serve as an example to other employers and organization leaders.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) broke new ground in this aspect with its trailblazer project for the art industry — the CCP Safe Space Handbook, released last June 21 as an ebook that may be downloaded by the public for free (see culturalcenter.gov.ph.).
Edited by the CCP Gender and Development (GAD) Committee and CCP GAD Technical Working Group, organized by the CCP Yakap Committee, and written by Cindy Cruz-Cabrera, the CCP Safe Space Handbook presents guidelines on setting up a workplace free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation.
Why is it important to make work spaces (and other spaces) safe in all aspects for everyone?
“Safe work spaces respect, protect, and fulfill human rights,” Cabrera wrote in her introduction to the Handbook.
“In order for a workspace to truly be safe, it must have policies, measures, and mechanisms that guarantee its workers their human rights and occupational safety, and safeguard all aspects of health and well-being.”
The CCP Safe Space handbook emphasizes the need to establish and maintain safe work spaces for artists, who comprise one of the most vulnerable work sectors worldwide.
The book sets out principles, concerns, and considerations for safeguarding the rights and well-being of its patrons and audiences.
“We aim to make CCP a space where every artist can freely express themselves with the assurance of being valued and respected in every aspect, where they can report any concern without fear of reprisal and judgment,” said CCP president Margarita Moran-Floirendo.
The Handbook also promotes safe physical and virtual work spaces across all industries and sectors so that they may respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.
The book is therefore even more relevant, timely, and functional because it can be used as an exemplar by any company or organization.
The 137-page ebook contains a primer of core concepts about safe spaces and work spaces (and the difference between them), a list of Philippine laws on the subject, a general code of conduct and safety protocols, and downloadable incident forms (one for adults, another for children).
Other government agencies may use this book for their mandated GAD programs, that per rules and guidelines are well-funded but that are in some agencies not implemented very well due to lack of knowledge on the part of their managers. (Pro tip: get in touch with the Philippine Commission on Women for help designing your GAD programs.)
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For the past several weeks, I have been writing about writing, specifically with regard to learning how to perfect technique and craft through workshops and residencies.
As the summer shines on, more writing classes are being conducted to give students on vacation a chance to attend before school starts.
One such was a masterclass on experiencing and writing short fiction, taught by acclaimed writer and editor Angelo ‘Sarge’ Lacuesta last June 17.
The session was an updated version of the flash fiction workshop he gave at the Dubai Literary Festival last February. Dubbed “The Stories Inside Us,” the class was the first in a series of events hosted by the Yuchengco Museum and yfilms, the museum’s digital arm.
“Yfilms and The Yuchengco Museum reached out to me, asking if I would do a seminar or lecture for them,” Lacuesta said.
“I’ve delivered craft and appreciation lectures for a number of years now, and I was happy to do it. It was a great opportunity to do it in such beautiful and inspiring surroundings. And it was especially wonderful to have younger people attend the class. We need to think about the developmental aspect of creative writing.”
Lacuesta, who is also editor-at-large of Esquire Philippines magazine, lectured about storytelling – what it is, how to do it – and used examples from several films to illustrate his key points.
The number of participants went over everyone’s expectations and the event turned out to be a happy success, thanks to the enthusiastic participants—from young writers to internationally published ones—and the inspiring venue.
“Activities like these create spaces for learning and community, especially for younger writers,” Lacuesta said.
Why is storytelling important for the individual, for the community, and for the nation?
“Storytelling lets us understand ourselves and the world around us,” Lacuesta says. “Not only does it allow us to make sense of our personal and social or political situations, but it also drives us to seek our personal truths…
“I like to think that we define the nation when we do any kind of work as Filipinos, and writing is a particularly expressive and personal way to perform work.”
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The Gintong Aklat Awards are back!
Established in 1981 and managed by the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), the awards are held only every two years and are given to outstanding book publishers.
The purpose of the event is to recognize and encourage the production of books that are of excellent quality in all aspects of bookmaking, from content production (writing and editing), book production (printing, binding, etc.), and book design.
The contest is open to all BDAP members.
The judging of entries in the various categories (see bdap.ph for details) is ongoing.
The awarding ceremony will be held in September 2023 during the Manila International Book Fair.
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