The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) announced the seven awardees who bagged this year’s Dangal ng Panitikan recognition.

Dr. Rommel Rodriguez, a University of the Philippines professor whose literary works have been published by a variety of university presses, is one of the awardees. Dr. Rodriguez is a multi-award-winning Filipino author and human rights activist. Some of his works are, “Artistikong Produksyon ng mga Bilanggong Pulitikal sa Pilipinas (2015–2018): Mga Piling Kaso at Tala,” “Pasingaw: Mga Maiikling Alamat at Bagong Kasabihan,” “Maikling Walang Hanggang (Mga Dagli),” at “Ang Politikal sa Pagkatha,” “Mga Apoy sa Ilaya.”

The award was also given to Efren Abueg whose contribution to the literature is numerous that they can no longer be numbered on one hand. His works are most appropriately regarded as magnificent. Among his works include: “Sa Bagong Paraiso,” “Mapanglaw ang Mukha ng Buwan,” “Mabangis na Lungsod,” “Dugo sa Ulo ni Corbo,” “Ang Lungsod ay isang Dagat,” “Kanayon,” “Si Mark at Ako,” “Dilim sa Umaga,” “Habagat sa Lupa,” Huwag Mong Sakyan ang Buhawi,” at “Dugo sa Kayumangging Lupa.”

In addition, the coveted award was also given to Paul Arvisu Dumol, the author of the literary works “Puting Timmanukin (1968),” “Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio (1969),” “Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio (1969),” Ang Kilusang Pilipinisasyon sa Ateneo (1971),” “Ang Ibong Adarna (1973),” at “Ang Kabesang Tales (1974).”

The list of awardees also included Dr. Rosario Torres Yu, a literature student, teacher, researcher, scholar, and artist. She was one of the first editors and curators of Filipino literature in the country, and her collection of works is now used as a reference book in colleges and universities. She was also the first scholar in the Philippines to produce a scientific and systematic book review of children’s literature which is the Balagen: Edukasyong Pangkapayapaan at Panitikang Pambata.

Dr. Maria Josephine Barrios-Leblanc’s contribution to feminist poetry and the use of popular literature for current events earned her a spot on the Dangal ng Panitikan honorees list this year. Dr. Barrios has four collections to her credit. “Ang Pagiging Babae ay Pamumuhay sa Panahon ng Digma” and “Sa Aking Pagiging Destiyero” are two of them.

Tony Perez of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) also received the award for his contributions to the growth of Filipino language, philosophy, and literature. His work is used in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to promote, improve, and grow Filipinology, the science and study of Filipinos. Among his works are the following “Cubao 1980 at iba pang mga Katha: Sigaw ng Gay Liberation sa Pilipinas,” Cubao Pagkagat ng Dilim: Mga Kwentong Kababalaghan,” “Eros Thanatos: Mga Piling Katha,” “Pagkamulat sa Kastilo,” “Mga Panibagong Orasyon sa Majika Cantada,” “Mga Panibagong Kulam sa Pag-ibig,” “Pagsubok sa Ilang,” “Cubao-Kalaw, Kalaw Cubao: Premyadong Katha,” at “Huling Tanawin sa Bundok ng Tabor.”

One of the honorees of the Dangal ng Panitikan Award was the Tahanan Books for Young Readers. This year, Tahanan Books is the only institution to earn the prestigious recognition. Tahanan Books has published over 150 books highlighting the culture and national historical assets in the last three decades. They are always creating high-quality anthologies to promote the diversity of our literature. These include the following: “Ang Babaeng Nahulog Mula sa Langit” at Iba Pang Kuwentong-Bayan” by Maria Elena Paterno; “Kung Bakit ang Pinya ay May Isandaang Mata” by Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz; “Bugtong, Bugtong” by Rene O. Villanueva and Daniel Palma Tayona; and “Philippine Proverbs” by Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, and many more.

Dangal ng Panitikan is an annual recognition awarded to writers and literary artists who have created works that leave a mark or pave a path in the field of literature. It honors a distinct writer/s who has demonstrated an understanding of culture, pride, and rich legacy in Filipino and other regional or provincial languages.