This year’s Premio Etasor 2.0, a local poetry tilt in Bikol-Catandunganon, drew 25 entries — many penned by young, first-time poets finding voice in their mother tongue. Held at the CatSU Accreditation Room on May 26, the event doubled as an awarding ceremony and book launch, with students and emerging writers sharing space with literary veterans. The contest, now in its second year, honors the legacy of Efren “Etasor” Sorra, a homegrown poet and artist known for championing local language and culture. The tilt is open to all Catandunganons — students, professionals, freelancers, and even those based outside the island. Entries this year came from fresh voices, writing about field work, faith, folk beliefs, longing, and the island’s shifting landscape. Literary journal Tagama (Isyu 1), published by Aklat Ulagad launched its new issue, Kalabira, an anthology of Premio Etasor 2024 winners and select submissions. Each attendee received a copy of Tagama. Winners received books from Aklat Ulagad, along with cash prizes: ₱5,000 for first, ₱3,000 for second, and ₱2,000 for third. Honorable mentions also brought home books from Aklat Ulagad. Karyl Tugay, a CatSU BSED English major, topped the contest with her suite Tunton Balagon, Siram, and Parauma. Fausto Sarmiento and Ian Victor Antonio placed second and third, respectively., while Joshua Marino and Jane Bermejo earned honorable mention. Judges included poet-critic Dr. Alan C. Popa, ESCOM Director Reashiela L. Khan, and national award-winning author Napoleon I. Arcilla III, who also happens to clinch the top spot in last year's Premio. CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. also took part — throwing in a message of support and reading his own poem during the program. A Certificate of Appreciation was also awarded to Governor-elect Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, former CatSU president and event sponsor. Premio Etasor 2.0 is organized by the Catanduanes State University Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino, headed by Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay, in partnership with Aklat Ulagad.
Matagumpay na nairaos ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura ang pagsasagawa ng Rizal Forum na may pamagat na “Muling Sulyap sa Mga Natatanging Katha ni Dr. Jose Rizal” sa Pampahalaang Unibersidad ng Catanduanes noong Marso 1, 2023.Pinangunahan ni Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay, Direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, ang nasabing talakayan na may layuning linangin ang kaalaman at kasanayang kultural at pampanitikan ng mga kaguruang nagtuturo ng nasabing asignatura.Kasama sa mga dumalo sa gawaing ito ang mga mag-aaral na kumukuha ng General Education Courses na GEC 9 o ang Buhay at mga Akda ni Rizal.Ayon sa Direktor, ang asignaturang ito ay itinuturo sa antas tersarya bilang pagtupad sa mandato ng Republic Act 1425, na lalong kilala sa tawag na Batas Rizal.“Sa naturang batas na ito, iniuutos ang pagtuturo ng talambuhay at mga akda ng pambansang bayani bilang paraan ng paglinang sa patriotismo ng mga mag-aaral sa kolehiyo,” ani ni Dr. Balunsay.Ilan sa mga nagbigay ng panayam ay mga dalubguro na sina Prop. Francis B. Tatel na ibinahagi ang paksang “Si Rizal sa Pananaw ni Ambeth Ocampo,” Dr. Maria Charlene A. Cantar na ibinahagi ang paksang “Muling Sulyap sa mga Tula at Sanaysay ni Rizal,” at Dr. Susan M. Tindugan na nangunasa sa paksang “Mga Nobela ni Rizal: Mga Isyu at Simbolismo.”“Lagi at lagi nating pahahalagahan ang kabayanihang ipinamalas sa atin ng ating pambansang bayani. Ang kanyang buhay ay isang inspirasyon lalo na sa mga kabataang pag-asa ng bayan,” wika ni Dr. Balunsay sa pagtatapos ng nasabing gawain. #FJBT
