THE PHILIPPINE Center for the International PEN (Poets & Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) has launched the F. Sionil José Young Writers Award, a competition for short fiction in English.

First prize is P50,000; sec- ond, P30,000; and third, P20,000.

The award is endowed by the children of the National Artist José and Tessie Jovellanos José–Tonet José, Evelina José Cichy, Brigida J. Bergkamp, Eddie José, Eugene José, Alex José and Nikko José—”to honor our father’s legacy to the young writers of the Philippines,” said Cichy.

“It seeks to advance excellence, integrity, social justice and the expression of love of country in literature,” added Cichy. “It is also to honor our mother’s devotion to nurturing both our father’s well-being and his art.”

The contest is open to any Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines, 30 years and younger, who need not be a member of the PEN.

Contestant should submit one unpublished short story written in English. Short story must be limited to 20 pages, double space, 12-font type (Times Roman preferably or any conservative font).

Cover page (one page only) must include the following information: name of contestant, date of birth, address, telephone number, e-mail, date of submission, title of short story, and a brief background of the author.

E-mail submission as attachment to [email protected]; or send four copies to Solidaridad Bookshop, 531 Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila (tel. 2541068). Deadline is Aug.30.

Awarding will be on Oct. 31, the 50th-anniversary celebration of Solidaridad Book- shop, owned by F. Sionil and Tessie José and which houses the Philippine PEN.