“This is an ongoing project of KWF, so some languages are not yet documented and some information may undergo revision”
THE Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, the government agency “mandated to undertake, coordinate, and promote research for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino as the national language of the Philippines, and other Philippine languages,” as the Senate put it, has released several calls for its literary contests and recognition programs.
KWF Sanaysay ng Taon 2024
This annual essay contest of the KWF is open to all Filipinos, with prize money of P30,000 for first, P20,000 for second, and P15,000 for third.
The essays this year must be research studies related to linguistics and the preservation of Philippine indigenous languages (pag-aaral na naghahain ng manipestasyong anyuing lingguwistiko tungong preserbasyon ng mga katutubong wika ng Pilipinas).
Entries must be original, unpublished works written in Filipino that are not translations from another language, between 15 to 30 pages in length, double-spaced.
As research papers, they must conform to the guidelines in the KWF Manwal sa Masinop na Pagsulat (available for download from their website, kwf.gov.ph).
The deadline for submitting entries either online or onsite at the KWF office is 5:00 p.m. on June 7, 2024.
Dulâ Táyo: Pagsulat ng Dramatikong Monologo and Dulang Tandem/Duo 2024
These are contests KWF organized for Buwan ng Wika in August in line with UNESCO’s International Decade of the Indigenous Languages (IDIL) 2022–2032 and SDGs Manila ResiliArt EarthSaving Event (under UNESCO patronage) led by the International Theater Institute-Philippines Center.
This contest is open to Filipinos 18 years old and older. Entries must be original, unpublished works written in Filipino that are not translations from another language nor have received any awards or recognitions.
The dramatic monologues should not exceed 20 typewritten pages or 20 minutes when performed.
The plays must be one-act plays with a clear story or outline and revolve around the dialogue of two characters.
This year’s topic for both categories is: Indigenous Languages as Tools for National Progress and Connection with Others (Mga Wikang Katutubo Bilang Kasangkapan sa Pambansang Pag-uswag at Pakikipagkapuwa).
For each category (monologue and play), cash prizes at stake are P10,000 for first, P7,000 for second, and P5,000 for third. The criteria for judging are: outline, 25 percent; use of language, 25 percent; characterization, 25 percent; and creative integration of the topic into the piece, 25 percent.
The deadline for submitting entries either online or onsite at the KWF office is 5:00 p.m. on June 7, 2024.
Calls for Nominations: Kampeon ng Wika and Dangal ng Wika
These are high honors given to individuals or groups who have contributed to the development, promotion, upliftment, preservation, and spread of Filipino and Philippine languages. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. on June 10, 2024.
For more details related to the contests and honor nominations, including exceptions and conditions as well as application forms, visit the KWF website (kwf.gov.ph) or email: timpalak.gawad@kwf.gov.ph
KWF Repository of Philippine
Languages and Culture
Not a lot of people likely know the KWF has a valuable online repository of information that will be of interest to students, teachers, and those interested in Philippine languages.
Its Repositoryo ng mga Wika at Kultura ng Pilipinas, to be found on its website, contains information, research, documentation, and other related studies on the languages and cultures of ethnic groups in the country.
It aims to quickly disseminate to the public data and studies on the indigenous languages of the country.
One resource here is the Atlas of Philippine Languages published by the KWF in 2016.
It contains data on approximately 130 languages of the country.
It also includes documentation outputs on the language and culture of some ethnic groups in the country.
Also in the repository are manuscripts containing comprehensive information about the researched language, videos and audio recordings of interviews, and images, as well as drafts of orthographies developed by KWF in collaboration with communities and other institutions.
This is an ongoing project of KWF, so some languages are not yet documented and some information may undergo revision.
This repository serves as a practical resource not only for the education sector but for various stakeholders across the Philippines.
For linguists, researchers, and academics, it provides a comprehensive platform for studying, preserving, and promoting the rich linguistic diversity of the country.
Government agencies benefit from its data for policymaking and cultural preservation efforts. Indigenous communities gain recognition and documentation of their languages and cultures, fostering pride and identity.
Businesses and industries can use the repository for cultural sensitivity training and marketing strategies. * * * FB and (X): @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com