The Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists), with Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), will hold a literature teachers’ training workshop focusing on 21st century literatures from the Philippines, Sept. 4-5, at MSU-IIT, Iligan City.

As part of the PEN Civil Society Programme, the workshop is supported by PEN International, Clifford Chance Foundation, and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Similar workshops have been held in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Baguio, Naga, Bohol, Calbayog, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José will deliver the keynote address.

The resource speakers and facilitators will be professor Christine Godinez Ortega, who will talk about local resource materials and publications; award-winning poet-fictionist-teacher Jaime An Lim, who will conduct a lecture-workshop on teaching 21st century Philippine poetry; and award-winning poet and former University of the Philippines Mindanao chancellor Ricardo de Ungria, who will conduct a lecture-workshop on teaching creative writing.

As part of the program, a writers’ forum will feature award-winning Mindanao-based intellectuals and writers who will read their work and talk about the topic “Writing to Sustain our Home, our Habitat.” They will include Steven Patrick Fernandez, German Gervacio, Anthony Tan, Jude Ortega and Shelfa B. Alojamiento.

There is no registration fee. Slots are limited. Participants will have to take care of their own travel arrangements, accommodation, and meals. For preregistration, participants may submit their names and institutions and contact details (mobile number and e-mail) to [email protected] or text +639151285710 (contact person: Shirley Lua). Deadline for preregistration is Aug. 20.