The Department of Languages and Literature held the culminating program for National Literature Month with the theme “Beket sa Panitikan Para sa Katwiran at Kalikasan” on May 7, at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium.
Also known as Buwan ng Panitikan, the event brought together faculty members and students in celebration of the life and legacy of great individuals who left an indelible markthrough their timeless literary works.
Dr. Harriette Mae A. Mercullo, head of the department, delivered her welcome remarks, highlighting the pivotal role of literature in shaping the humanity of individuals.
Committed to leading the school with passion and purpose, SAS Dean Dr. Christine Dawn Mombay delivered an inspirational message, encouraging everyone to reflect on the values and insights that literature brings.
Students, in their well-groomed and artistic flair, showcased a Literary Cosplay display portraying various legendary icons who shaped the literary landscape for future generations, igniting interest in literature and inspiring others to cherish the values these figures exemplify.
Students cheered for their bets as each contestant trod down the hallway, conquering the stage with creativity and confidence. Christine Joy Petilla achieved third place, Lianne Faith Bardillon secured second place, and Judy Joyce Chu emerged as the first-place winner.
Meanwhile, the intermission numbers presented by students from Batsilyer ng Sining sa Filipino set the stage on fire as they serenaded the audience with their melodious voices.
The recently concluded literary competitions showcased the talents and creativity of the participants across different categories. In the Poetry Writing Competition, Ana May Badeo won the third prize, Leah Andrea Regis secured the second prize, while Grace Jan Tablatin emerged as the first prize winner. For the Open Mic Competition, Arianne Grace Matas claimed third place, John Carlo Librando took second place, and Geance Fernandez won first place. In the Literary Quiz Bowl, Marvin Garrido, Aviona Nedera, and Danica Marie Young placed third, while Sophia Balansag, Cassandra Nicole Quiza, and Rhea Theresa Ruiz earned second place. The championship title was awarded to Anna Mae Abadines, Angelie Cynthia Yodico, and Joseph Veto Tabio. In the Flash Fiction Competition, Reymart Balerosa received third place, Kristel Janell Aborita took second place, and Chrisimel Realino secured first place. Meanwhile, in the Essay Writing Competition, Raymond Yangao placed third, Jovan Obejas earned second place, and Kriszel Mae Guevarra won first place.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Ma. Kim Morallos, adviser of the Kapisanan ng mga Estudyanteng Maka-Wika, stressed the active role of literature in shaping an individual’s identity. “Ang panitikan ay sumasalamin sa mga pagkakakilanlan, mga kasaysayan, at nagsisilbing tagapag-ugnay ng iba’t ibang henerasyon,” she stated, emphasizing that literature reflects humanity itself. She also congratulated everyone for actively participating in the different competitions held during the month-long celebration, highlighting that their presence alone already made them winners, even without receiving major awards.
The legal basis for National Literature Month emanates from Proclamation No. 968, which declares the month of April of every year as “National Literature Month.” Enshrined in the proclamation is the mandate to “preserve and inspire the literature of today and introduce to future generations the Filipino values inherited from our ancestors.
This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 03: Good Health and Well-being;
Via JGenobiagon
