LOCAL PRIDE. Ranging from original works to local translations of famous pieces, the display of different literary books excites the senses of PEN attendees. Many Mindanao educators and writers were delighted because of the affordability of these original pieces. Photo by Ram Manlatican
Around 250 literary educators and some students from all over Mindanao gathered in the Ateneo de Davao University for a two-day workshop featuring prominent Mindanao writers, last Aug. 22-23.
The workshop, entitled “For the Love of Word: Workshops on Teaching Philippine Literature in High School and College” was said to help educators hone their skills in teaching Philippine literature.
“According to Ma’am Pamela Castrillo, ‘yung isa sa mga head namin, ang workshop is para sa mga [litearure] teachers. Dito, they are helped to develop their skills,” Samahan ng mga Guro ng Panitikan sa Davao (SAGUP) treasurer Jocelyn Baluso said.
The said event featured lectures on 21st Century Philippine Literature, writing and planning workshops, and a forum with some established poets and writers.
Tita Lacambra-Ayala, Dominique Gerald Cimafranca, Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, Aida Rivera-Ford, Mohammad Nassefh Macia, and Macario Tiu were the forum speakers in the said event.
Ayala shared her sentiments about imparting her knowledge as a poet to the attendees.
“From a writer’s point of view, it feels great to know that I have helped widen the teachers’ perspective on the state of our habitat through the use of literature.
“We (writers) found ourselves to be relevant after all, and not just living in our ivory towers. We’re part of the flow of life in our community and our country,” said 85-year-old poet.
A fourth Education major from the Ateneo said the event gave her an insight on how to teach Philippine Literature.
“The event is helpful especially for us future educators majoring in English because we can get ideas on how to effectively teach literature,” she said.
The workshop was organized by the Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) in partnership with the Ateneo de Davao University and the SAGUP.
PEN International, Clifford Chance Foundation, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) also supported the said workshop.