LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan and Ilocano creative writers are encouraged to join the ‘Gawad F. Sionil Jose Literary Writing Contest’, which was officially launched on September 18 in time for the 1st year anniversary of the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum here.
The contest was introduced in honor of the Pangasinense literary genius and 2001 National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose, a native son of Rosales town.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) head Maria Luisa A. Elduayan said the literary contest envisions providing an avenue for professional and aspiring local creative writers to display their craft and artistry through their most remarkable works written in two native tongues—Pangasinan and Ilokano.
In Pangasinan, about 55% of its population is Pangasinan-speaking, while around 44% speak Ilokano. The remaining 1% belong to Binubolinao, primarily spoken in the western towns of Bolinao and Anda.
The deadline for submission of entries will be on November 15, while the awarding of winners will be held on December 3 in celebration of the centennial year of F. Sionil Jose.
Known for his five-novel epic entitled ‘Rosales Saga,’ and a dozen of socially engaged novels and countless short stories, the national artist passed away on January 6, 2022.
For more information about the literary contest, visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/GFSJGuidelinesandEntryForm.
You may also inquire at ptcao@seepangasinan.com with contact numbers 0999-883-9740 | 075-517-2141.
(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
