For the first time ever, writers all around the country gather at the Taboan: Philippine International Writers Festival 2009 at three different venues: the Cubao Expo, the University of the Philippines Diliman www.upd.edu.ph, and the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Campus. The event was held from Feb. 11–13, in relation to the celebration of the National Arts Month.
Taboan, which in Cebuano means “assembly,” was the gathering of around 100 writers who have been recipients of grants from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and who have made and making their mark on Philippine literature, said Mr. Ricardo M. de Ungria, director and overall chairman of the Writers Festival.
Notable discussions include the labeling of "imperial Manila"; conducting regional literary contests; holding Taboan annually in other key cities; encouraging groups in the regions to register to the Securities and Exchange Commission; and submission of proposals and support for international contests, among others.
National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil Jose, challenged the writers in his keynote speech. "We are writers – what impact do we have on our history? We do not make the decisions that alter the nation's destiny. And what can the solitary writer do now that will make a difference?" The national artist also highlighted the value of literature as he urged the writers "to write as best and as honestly as we can…."
The NCCA, the University of the Philippines Institute for Creative Writing, and the Ateneo de Manila University were the organizers of the said event.
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