Competency 4: Appreciate the contributions of the canonical Filipino writers to the development of national literature.
Contribution of Canonical Authors
Canon – in literature, this is the collection of works considered representative of a certain genre and period.
Canonical Authors – writers whose works have been well appreciated and considered representatives of certain genres of literature.
Order of National Artist Award (Literature) - is the highest national recognition given to Filipino writers who made significant contributions to Philippine literature development.
List of National Artists for Literature
Hagonoy, Bulacan
Poet, playwright, novelist
He practiced “committed art.”
He was known as the “Manunulat ng Manggagawa.”
In his view, the function of a writer is to act as the conscience of the human spirit in the face of inequity and oppression.
His works talked about the struggles of Filipino laborers.
Works: Isang Dipang Langit, Luha ng Buwaya, Mga Ibong Mandaragit (First Filipino Socio-Political Novel that exposed the ills of the society.)
Singalong, Manila
Known as Doveglion and Comma Poet
He was the finest contemporary poet regardless of race and language.
He introduced the reversal consonance and comma poems.
Works: Footnote to Youth, Many Voices, Have Come, Am Here, The Anchored Angel
Paco, Manila
The most distinguished Filipino writer in English Writing.
Known as Quijano de Manila
His contribution: an exploration of the Philippine colonial past under Spain and his probing into the psychology of social danger as seen by the young.
He has written plays, novels, poems, short stories, essays, reportage, and journalism.
Works: The Woman Who Had Two Navels, Ballad of the Five Battles, Rizal in Saga, Almanac for Manilenos, Cave and Shadows (about Martial Law time) Summer Solstice
Intramuros, Manila
His career spanned 50 years of public service as an educator, soldier, university president, journalist, and diplomat.
He was the 1st Asian President of the UN General Assembly and the Philippine Ambassador to the US.
He was a reporter at 16, newspaper editor at 20, publisher at 32.
His broadcasts during the Japanese colonization were known as the VOICE OF FREEDOM.
The only Asian to win the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism for a series of articles predicting the outbreak of WWII.
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Widely acknowledged as the Mother of Philippine Literature.
Poet, fictionist, teacher, and literary critic.
Her works are characterized by a remarkable fusion of style and substance, craftsmanship, and insight.
Her poems The Little Marmoset and Bonsai are intricate verbal transfigurations of significant experiences.
Founded and directed Siliman National Writers Workshop in Dumaguete City, which produced some of the country’s best writers.
Rosales, Pangasinan
His writings since the late 60s, when taken collectively, can be described as epic. His works reflect the consistent espousal of the aspirations of Filipinos: NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY and SOCIAL JUSTICE
His works were translated into various languages
Works: Rosales Saga (The Pretenders, Tree: My Brother, My Executioner, Mass, Poon) captures Philippine History while simultaneously narrating the lives of generations of Samsons whose personal lives intertwine with the social struggles of the nation
Sampaloc, Manila
Poet, fictionist, and essayist with exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the development of the country’s literary arts.
He held regular funded and unfunded workshops throughout the country to bring poetry and fiction closer to people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to develop their creative talent.
He’s a literature teacher and realized that the classroom is an important training ground for Filipino writers.
Lipa, Batangas
Poet, librettist, and scholar
He introduced to Tagalog literature what is known as Bagay Poetry, a landmark aesthetic tendency that has helped to change the vernacular poetic tradition
Works: Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa; Balaybay, Mga Tulang Lunot at Manibalang, Sa Sariling Bayan, Apat na Dulang May Musika, Agunyas sa Hacienda Luisita, Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari
San Miguel, Bulacan
Also known as Rio Alma
A poet, literary historian, a critic who has revived and reinvented traditional poetic forms
In 34 years, he published 12 books of poetry
His works reflected his often severe examination of the self and the society
He founded LIRA (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo) and GAT (Galian sa Arte at Tula).
He put a face to the Filipino writer in the country, one strong face determinedly wielding a pen into untruths, hypocrisy, injustice.