“Literature preserves cultural heritage, sparks critical thinking, and serves as a catalyst for social change”
April in the Philippines is not just another hot summer month; it’s also when we celebrate the country’s rich literary heritage and the enduring power of words.
Designated Philippine National Literature Month, April is when the nation honors its literary luminaries, reflects on its cultural identity, and promotes the importance of literature in society.
It is no coincidence that quite a few literary events are being held this month, among them the National Book Development Board’s Philippine Book Festival (April 25 to 28 at the World Trade Center Manila), the recent Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan (April 6) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines that honored the 100th staging of the balagtasan verse-debate form, and various events of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and other government agencies and public and private universities.
Among the noteworthy university-based events is the University of Santo Tomas’ annual Paz Latorena Memorial Lecture.
This year’s distinguished guest is National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, who will speak on the theme “Ang Manunulat, Noon at Ngayon.”
National Artist Ricky Lee will deliver this year’s Paz Latorena Memorial Lecture at UST. Poster courtesy of UST Literature Department.
The lecture will be on April 20, 2:00 p.m. at the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium, UST Campus, Manila, aligned with National Literature Month and the celebration of the University of Santo Tomas’ 413th founding anniversary (April 28).
Lee wrote the screenplays of the iconic Filipino films “Himala,” “Brutal,” “Moral,” “Karnal,” and “Anak” (with Moira Lang).
His scriptwriting manual “Trip to Quiapo” is used as a textbook and guide. He has also written fiction: “Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata,” “Para kay B.,” and “Si Tatang at mga Himala ng Ating Panahon.”
Lee was at UST’s Frassati Building Auditorium last April 15 for the “CCP Cine Icons: Film Screening and Talkback” event graced by “Anak” star Vilma Santos (who should be named a National Artist herself), among other luminaries of Philippine cinema.
UST’s Paz Latorena Memorial Lecture honors Paz Latorena (1908-1953), among the first generation of Filipino writers in English.
Born in 1908, she studied education at the University of the Philippines and obtained her degree at UST in 1927, where she became literary editor of the university’s school paper The Varsitarian.
She earned a doctorate degree in literature at UST in 1934 and taught English and literature there.
Among her students were National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, actress and theater director Zeneida Amador, and writer and educator Ophelia Dimalanta.
It is in tribute to Latorena’s memory and legacy that UST initiated the annual memorial lecture in her name.
As part of this year’s event, an on-the-spot essay-writing contest for senior high school students will be held for the first time, at the St. Raymond de Peñafort Building, UST-Manila campus.
I’ll be among the judges and I look forward to being blown away by the students’ imagination, creativity, and talent.
The event is organized by the UST Department of Literature in collaboration with the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies. For more details, contact department chair Dr. Allen Dave Arboleda (abarboleda@ust.edu.ph).
* * *
Philippine National Literature Month came about in 2015 after President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Proclamation 968, which designated April as Philippine National Literature Month (Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino).
The law designates the NCCA and KWF as lead agencies “in the preparation, coordination, and implementation of the activities and events relating to the celebration of the National Literature Month.”
But beyond the festivities, the significance of having a dedicated literature month lies in its capacity to foster a deeper appreciation for the written word and its impact on society.
Literature is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a mirror that reflects the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of a people.
It preserves cultural heritage, sparks critical thinking, and serves as a catalyst for social change.
By dedicating a month to honor literature, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a vibrant cultural ecosystem that celebrates creativity and fosters a sense of national pride. * * * FB and (X): @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com
