The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) now accepts short stories and poems written by young Filipinos in their native language: Ilokano, Bikolano, Sebwano (Cebuano) and Meranaw (Maranaw).
For the KWF, the competition is a way to enrich and promote the native language in the regions and the Filipino language in general.
The contest name is a fusion of Tagalog, Cebuano and Ilokano term for competition, advance and imagery. Timpalak is a Tagalog word for competition, Uswag is a Cebuano word which means advance and Darepdep in Ilokano means imagery. The competition is now on its second year (2015-2016) and is divided into two categories: short story and poetry.
Writers may submit short story entries not less than five pages, and not less than five, but not more than 15 poems. A contestant can submit an entry in each category.
Young writers from age 12 to 17 can submit their works until April 1, 2016.
Winners of the contest from each region will receive a medal from KWF and P10,000 for the first prize, P5,000 for the second prize and P3,000 for the third prize.
Meanwhile, the KWF will also be holding the Pambansang Kampo Balagtas 2016 on April 1-3 this year.
The writing camp is a national conference for young writers to encourage them in advancing the Filipino language as a medium of creative writing. Writers from Grade 7 to Grade 11 who has published their works in their local campus papers are welcome to join.
The conference is part of the celebration of the birth anniversary of Filipino prominent orator, Francisco Baltazar, also known as Balagtas every April 2.
The event will take place at Orion Elementary School, in Orion Bataan. The KWF will be shouldering the expenses of the delegates.
Entries may be submitted to Watson Building, JP Laurel Street, Malacañang Complex, San Miguel, Manila. The deadline for applications is on January 31.(davaotoday.com)
