Press Release
PR No. MJD-18-2021
JEDDAH PCG CELEBRATES FILIPINO LITERATURE MONTH WITH A POETRY WRITING CONTEST
1 May 2021, Jeddah – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG) celebrated Filipino Literature Month with a Poetry Writing Contest, which centers on the theme: “Limandaang Taon ng Pagsulat sa Kalibutang Filipino.” The awarding ceremonies for the contest took place on 30 April 2021 at the Bizkotso de Arabia Bakeshop.
Of the fifteen (15) entries received by the Consulate, three (3) emerged as winners of the contest. The following are the winners and the title of their winning piece:
- Champion: Mr. Elpidio Leynes (“Estetiko ng Panitikan”)
- 2nd Place: Engr. Enrnest Jayme, Jr. (“Simbolo”)
- 3rd Place: Mr. Roberto Eamilao (“Alab ng Wikang Filipino”)
Mr. Elpidio Leynes reads his winning piece “Estetiko ng Panitikan”
Jeddah PCG Acting Head of Post Consul Mary Jennifer D. Dingal said that the Poetry Writing Contest hopes to be a venue for creative expression for Filipino writers in Jeddah and the Western Region of Saudi Arabia through one of the oldest literary forms—poetry. “We hope that through this activity, we will be able to promote love for writing and Philippine literature among OFWs in Saudi Arabia, and view literature as a reflection of the rich culture of the Philippines as well as the collective consciousness of the Filipino people,” Consul Dingal added.
(First photo: 2nd placer Engr. Ernesto Jayme, Jr. reads his poetry “Simbolo”. 3nd photo Mr. Roberto Eamilao who won 3rd place for his “Alab ng Wikang Filipino” reads his poem.)
The Poetry Writing Contest is an activity in partnership with the Philippine International School Teachers’ Association (PISTA) and the OFW Cooperative Council (OFWCC). The program included poetry reading sessions by Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal and Vice-Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang, and Filipino song numbers by teachers of Philippine schools in Jeddah.
Poetry reading session and Filipino song performance by Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal (left photo), Vice Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang (center photo), and teachers of Durat Al Sharq International School (right)
The celebration of National Literature Month is established by Presidential Proclamation 968, with the goal to promote, conserve and popularize the country’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations through literature. -END-
