64th Silliman University National Writers Workshop open for 2026 fellowship

The country’s longest-running creative writing workshop has officially opened its doors once again. The Silliman University National Writers Workshop (SUNWW) — a pillar of Philippine letters founded by Edilberto K. Tiempo and National Artist Edith L. Tiempo — is now accepting applications for its 64th edition, offering 10 fellowships to promising writers across the Philippines.

Held annually in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, now recognized as a UNESCO Creative City for Literature, this flagship program of the Edilberto and Edith Tiempo Creative Writing Center continues its tradition of nurturing emerging voices through rigorous craft lectures, panel discussions, and close mentorship with established writers. Successful applicants will join a two-week residency where they will immerse themselves in the literary culture that has shaped generations of Filipino authors.

Applicants must submit their manuscripts on or before 31 January 2026. Submissions must strictly follow the prescribed format, as non-compliance will result in automatic disqualification. Manuscripts are accepted in fiction (three to four entries), creative nonfiction (three to four entries), poetry (a suite of seven to 10 poems), drama (at least one one-act play), balak or poetry in Cebuano (seven to 10 poems with English translations), and sugilanon or short story in Cebuano (three to four entries with English translations). Each fiction, creative nonfiction, or drama manuscript must not exceed 20 pages, double-spaced.

To ensure fairness in the blind selection process, the applicant’s name and address must not appear on any manuscript. Personal information should only be indicated in the official application form and the notarized certification of originality. Applicants must also submit a list of at least two references — preferably a literature professor or an established writer — who can attest to their writing ability, with complete contact details and institutional affiliations.

All requirements must be complete upon submission, and all entries must be uploaded through the official online submission form. Read full guidelines at https://tinyurl.com/SUNWWGuidelines. Submission form at be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/64thSUNWW.

Inquiries may be sent to www@su.edu.ph or through (035) 420-1901 loc. 350 /+63906-5235857 (look for Kaycee Melon).