IN CELEBRATION of the National Arts Month, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will hold a literary conference to focus on teaching regional literature.

NCCA National Committee on Literary Arts for Southern Mindanao head John Bengan said the informal conference aims to gather acclaimed literary writers from different areas of the country as well as teachers and students.

“[They will] pick up some points on how to teach and promote writing from the different regions because as we all know, recently in our education system we are starting to push for a more holistic approach in terms of local traditions,” he said.

He added they have invited around 55 panelists for the conference which include the National Artist of the Philippines for Literature Resil B. Mojares who will give a keynote speech.

Mojares is known to have extensively written about the history of Cebu and has won several book awards.

Aside from Mojares, acclaimed Visayan poet Merlie Alunan, and Bro. Karl Gaspar, CSsR who will talk about the Visayan and Mindanaoan literature, respectively.

There will also be young Bangsamoro writers who will share their experiences.

The conference entitled Reading the Regions: A National Arts Month Celebration for 2020 will be held on February 28 to 29, 2020 at The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites, Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City. (Roberto A. Gumba Jr. and May Angela Ung/UM intern)