Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (Lira) celebrates National Language Month with Gawad Lira 2021, a contest that aims to give poets writing in the Filipino language an opportunity to showcase their flair for Filipino poetry and receive recognition and reward for their work. This contest also aims to promote and enrich Filipino poetry.

The contest is open to all poets writing in the Filipino language until Oct. 29.

Here are the mechanics of the contest:

1. The contest is open to all, except for members of Lira.
2. Entries must consist of a collection of 10 to 15 poems. Each collection should have a title.
3. Participants may submit poems in free verse, rhyme and meter, or a combination of both.
4. There is no required topic or theme for this contest; however, participants are highly encouraged to tackle socially relevant issues.
5. Entries should be the original work of the author and must be written in Filipino. These should not be a translation of any published work, and must not have been released in any publication.
6. All poems to be submitted should be in the Filipino language.
7. Entries can be submitted to [email protected]. In the subject line, write “Gawad Lira.” The email should contain the following: the entry (in Portable Document Format [PDF]), typewritten in Arial font, 12 points font size, single spaced. A4 size with 1-inch margin all around. Pen name. Do not put any hint or signifier of the real name of the participant. Signed entry form: tinyurl.com/gawadlira2021. Bionote.
8. The last day of submission of entries is on Oct. 29, 11:59 p.m.
9. The committee will acknowledge entries it will receive via email. Entries with missing attachments or that do not follow the guidelines will be automatically disqualified. All entries received will be considered as final and complete. Any revisions made within the duration of the contest will no longer be accepted.
10. Prizes: first prize: P15,000 and trophy; second prize: P9,000 and plaque; third prize: P6,000 and plaque.
11. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in relation to their decision.
12. Anyone who will be caught and confirmed to have plagiarized will no longer be able to join the contest.

Winners will be announced in December during with the 36th anniversary celebration of Lira.

Along with this contest is Makata ng Lira 2021, another Filipino poetry writing competition that is exclusive for Lira members only.

Email [email protected].