Boac, Marinduque – Last April 6, 2018, the Marinduque State College (MSC) Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) Marindukanon organized a Seminar-Workshop on Creative writing and Non-Fiction as part of the 2018 National Literature month with the theme “Pingkian.” As Emilio Jacinto’s pen name denotes, spark, the activity ignited a flame within the inner Balagtas of the students from AB- English III and Senior High School students held at the MSC Research Park from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The event celebrated the literature month and was launched beginning with small talks from distinguished speakers from the different fields of literature. The intention of SWK Marindukanon’s “Tertulyang Pampanitikan” is to make a series of workshops where students of creative writing and creative non-fiction can craft a literary folio as part of their final output. Tertulya means gathering, informal meeting or creatives coming together.
Dindo Asuncion, the author of “Marinduque: Heart of the Philippines,” and the current tourism officer of Marinduque shared his insights of being a “reluctant writer.” Along with Asuncion, John Mark Valencia rounded up the morning session, as one of the founding members of the then School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) Litera Club provided some inspiration to young and struggling writers.
The next two speakers came full circle, Adrian Rosales and Isabel Palomares Ball provided some advocacy from the local Marinduque Media Practitioners. Rosales represents the Philippine Science Journalists’ Association (PSciJourn) – Marinduque. Meanwhile, Ball, emphasized the importance of literature and journalism and other societal issues of today like Healthy Environment as Legacy for Marinduque (HELM)’s concern for mining and river systems.
Other pingkian events were also held at Darckylock’s Cafre in Gasan with a benefit exhibit and mini-workshops by Aizel Lacdao who regularly organizes Laro, Likha, Lakbay community immersions. The National Literature Month is spearheaded by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), National Book Development Board (NBDB) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
