POETRY WRITESHOP DRAWS WRITERS TO ROOTED STORYTELLING
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (ED)In a tribute to National Arts Month, a poetry writeshop titled Balhag: Pagsulat ng mga Akdang Nakaugat sa Danas ng Komunidad was held on February 20, 2025, at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Little Theater, sharpening the literary craft of participants through community-rooted storytelling. Mounted by the Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino (SWKF) in tandem with the Center for Culture and Arts - Hablon Dawani (CCA) and Virac-based Aklat Ulagad, the session pulled in aspiring poets eager to refine their voices. Dr. Allan C. Popa, renowned writer, author, and editor, urged participants to mine their communities for poetic material, asserting that the most resonant narratives often emerge from lived experiences. He pressed writers to embrace the depth of local culture, to reinforce the power of intimate, place-based storytelling. Attendees sharpened their skills through guided writing exercises, with select participants stepping forward to deliver their freshly penned works before the audience. CCA-Hablon Dawani Director Santos G. Sorra Jr. kicked off the event, while Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs Dr. Rosana S. Abundo extended institutional support in a brief message. Capping the session, SWKF Director Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay commended the participants and lauded Popa for steering the conversation toward a deeper appreciation of community-driven poetry.
