IBBY Philippines supports 2nd Rene O. Villanueva Children’s Book Writing Workshop

From left: Prof. Bernadette Neri, Dr. Elyrah Salanga-Torralba, DFPP Assistant Chair Prof. Maynard Manansala, DFPP Chair Prof. Schedar D. Jocson, Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco, Kristine Mandigma, Luis Gatmaitan, Prof. Jose Monfred Sy (back), and Beth Parrocha.

University of the Philippines Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (DFPP), in partnership with the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)-Philippines, has officially launched the Second Palihang Rene O. Villanueva (PROV).

The children’s book writing workshop was slated from July 11 to 13 at Palma Hall in UP Diliman, gathering a new batch of 15 promising children’s book writers officially selected as fellows for the event. Handpicked from a highly competitive pool of applicants, each talented individual will be given a platform to further develop their craft in poetry and short story writing for children at the PROV. This year’s fellows are: Khristian Ross Pimentel, Joshua Sarno, Erwin Mallari, Jasper Lomtong, Marvin Ric Mendoza, Anne Joyce Raymundo, Klara Espedido, John Lloyd Casoy, Francisco Monteseña, John Patrick Solano, Elfrey Vera Cruz-Paterno, Mark Anthony Salvador, Jerome Vitug, Zandro Bautista, and Shiela Bacani.

IBBY Philippines president Kristine Mandigma (left) recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Prof. Schedar D. Jocson, Chair of the University of the Philippines Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (DFPP),

“PROV is known to provide unparalleled mentorship in writing poems and narratives that inspires and empowers the Filipino children,” said workshop director Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco. “We are also excited to give the fellows tips and advice on how to get their manuscripts published.” IBBY Philippines, for its part, highlighted the organization’s role in supporting children’s literature in the Philippines. “One of IBBY's goals is to promote the publication of high-quality stories and poems for children with elevated artistic and literary standards, that’s why we wholeheartedly support this workshop and other projects of DFPP for the advancement of children’s literature in the Philippines,” said Kristine Mandigma, president of IBBY Philippines during Day 1 of the workshop. “I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Eugene Evasco and Dr. Will Ortiz for inviting IBBY to be part of the workshop. I also congratulate the fellows and panelists of the workshop. May the following days be joyful, fruitful in ideas, and creative, as a tribute to the memory of Rene O. Villanueva,” Mandigma added.

IBBY Philippines president Kristine Mandigma (seated, 2nd from left) joined the panelists and writing fellows of the 2nd Palihang Rene O. Villanueva (PROV) held in Palma Hall, UP Diliman, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (DFPP). Photo shows from left (standing): Jerome Vitug, Dr. Luna Sicat Cleto, Prof. Jose Monfred C. Sy, Prof. Bernadette Neri, Dr. Eugene Y Evasco, Francisco Montesena, Zandro Bautista, John Patrick Solano, Joshua Sarno, Klara Espedido, Shiela Bacani, and Ann Joy Raymundo. Seated from left: Dr. Elyrah L. Salanga- Torralba, Kristine Mandigma, Dr. Will P. Ortiz, Prof. Jimmuel C. Naval (Dean, College of Arts and Letters), and Prof. Schedar D. Jocson (Chair, DFPP).

The PROV workshop is a tribute to Rene O. Villanueva, a well-known Filipino playwright, author, and screenwriter. He is known for his contributions to Philippine literature, particularly in the fields of children's literature and theater. Villanueva wrote numerous plays, stories, and screenplays that have resonated with audiences in the Philippines and beyond. His works often incorporate themes of Filipino culture, identity, and social issues. Villanueva's writing style and storytelling have left a lasting impact on the literary landscape of the Philippines. Sharing their experiences and expertise during the PROV are keynote speakers led by medical doctor and multi-awarded children’s book author Luis Gatmaitan and one of the most sought- after illustrators in the Philippines and award-winning watercolorist, Beth Parrocha. Also joining the workshop are panel members Sally E. Eugenio, Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco, Prof. Bernadette V. Neri, Dr. Will P. Ortiz, Dr. Elyrah Salanga-Torralba, Dr. Luna Sicat Cleto, and Prof. Jose Monfred Sy, who are also excited to participate in the enrichment of the current literary landscape for children, at this year’s PROV.