NEUST celebrates literary brilliance, opens a new chapter in gender discourse

In honor of literary works championing gender equality, awareness, and performance, the NEUST Institute of Linguistics and Literature (IOLL) and Gender and Development (GAD) Center recognized local authors and scholars in an awarding ceremony held on March 11, 2025, at Nieto Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

Dubbed ‘The Gawad Takós Para sa Natatanging Manunulat,’ the awarding ceremony featured literature writers from across the Philippines whose works aim to contribute to shaping perspectives and advocating for social change.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Rommel Espejo, Director of IOLL, emphasized the role of literature in promoting inclusivity and deeper conversations on gender.

“Kaya’t sa ating manunulat, patuloy kayong maging ilaw sa dilim, maging tulay sa pagitan ng kahapon at kinabukasan, at maging buhay na patunay na ang panitikan ay hindi kailanman mawawalan ng saysay”, he said.

Meanwhile, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo recognized the efforts of writers and organizers to foster meaningful discourse through storytelling.

The panel of judges includes Dr. Ernesto Carandang II, Dr. Ferdinand Jarin, Dr. Christine Bellen-Ang, Dr. Genaro Gojo Cruz, and Dr. Marco Antonio Rodas—who are all literary scholars and authors.

The event also marked the release of Takós Volume 5, an anthology featuring new literary works that aim to push the boundaries of gender discourse in Philippine literature.

Here are the winners in their respective categories:

TULA

Unang Gantimpala – Ladawan ni Jose Carrascal
Ikalawang Gantimpala – Daringungo ni R. B. E. Abiva
Ikatlong Gantimpala – Halang-Halang ni Lourd Greggory Crisol
Ikaapat na Gantimpala – Sino ang Puta? ni Jade Ann Fe Delos Reyes 

POEM

Unang Gantimpala – Open Book ni Jade Ann Fe Delos Reyes
Ikalawang Gantimpala – Beyond Labels ni Lendon Daguyo
Ikatlong Gantimpala – The Unwanted Rose ni Christine Marie Lim Magpile 

DAGLI

Unang Gantimpala – Suntukan ni Nathanael Castro Galliguez
Ikalawang Gantimpala – LRT Libertad Station ni Gerard Concepcion
Ikatlong Gantimpala – Silong ni Ma. Cecilia Paraiso
Ikaapat na Gantimpala – Tingin ni Aliyah Louise Tuazo
Ikalimang Gantimpala – Ligaw ni Alhe John Meriales

FLASH FICTION

Unang Gantimpala – The Wake Goer ni Oscar Solapco Jr.
Ikalawang Gantimpala – The Mango Tree ni April Lea Olaivar

SANAYSAY

Unang Gantimpala – Kapitbahay ni Daniel De Guzman
Ikalawang Gantimpala – Kung Sana Nakakain Lang ang Bituin ni Doren John Bernasol
Ikatlong Gantimpala – Puwang ni Michael Beraña
Ikaapat na Gantimpala – Sa Likod ng Bawat Pahina ni Kristine Faith Santiago
Ikalimang Gantimpala – Anong Pangalan Mo? ni Trixie Duzon

MAIKLING KUWENTO

Unang Gantimpala – Tuwing Gabi sa Puno ng Balete ni Nathanael Castro Galliguez
Ikalawang Gantimpala – Tony en Johnny ’57 ni Piolo De Guzman

#NEUSTGLOBAL
#NEUSTIOLL
#SDG4QualityEducation
#SDG5GenderEquality
#SDG10ReducedInequalities
#SDG16PeaceJusticeAndStrongInstitutions
#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals