Why National Literature Month is important
Every April, the Philippines celebrates Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino or National Literature Month in accordance with Proclamation No. 968, promulgated in 2015. It sheds light on the vital role of national literature as a mirror of society, revealing through written works the roots of our identity, while preserving ancestral values, inspiring contemporary creations, and passing this rich legacy to future generations.
Literature has existed since time immemorial, serving as a record of human experience and a form of artistic expression that continues to evolve. It allows us to connect with the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of those who came before us, reflecting both the complexities and the beauty of humanity. Through literature, we are reminded that our stories, struggles, and triumphs are sewn together into the larger panorama of Filipino culture.
The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are the agencies responsible for leading the celebration of National Literature Month. Through their initiatives, literature continues to promote community knowledge and provides room to commemorate the contributions of literary artists and advocates who have shaped our cultural landscape.
By engaging with literature, we gain insight into our literary heritage and trace the ideas and values handed down by our forefathers. They used literature as a vessel to present their ideas during their time, leaving a notable impact on the nation’s formation and development. This awareness strengthens our identity and widens our perspective as Filipinos, enabling literature to challenge and spark conversations about society in pursuit of meaningful social awareness.
I find literature to be a safe space to voice my sentiments and explore my interests in matters that shape society. We all stand at a natural threshold that leads us to a robust engagement with literature as a means of understanding both ourselves and the world around us.
Literature bridges the past, informs the present, and guides the future. It also unites us as a people. Every story shared or written can create a ripple effect, shaping how we understand ourselves and others, just as Filipino literary artists and advocates of the past have done.
Jhon Steven C. Espenido,
Surigao City
