Dr. Ralph Lorenz Fonte, a young physician, poet, essayist and translator from Palawan, has been recognized as the Philippine awardee for  the Southeast Asian Writers Awards (SEA Write Awards).

He is one of the youngest recipients to receive this honor in the history of the awards.

His winning entry, “Balangkas ng Karaniwang Bahay sa Maynila,” which he delivered in a spoken-word format at the awarding ceremony, serves as a social commentary on the socio-economic conditions and challenges encountered by everyday Filipinos.

Fonte is a three-time Carlos Palanca Memorial awardee for poetry. He writes in English, Filipino and Cuyonon.

He is currently based in Spain, pursuing his graduate studies with a focus on public health. 

The SEA Write Award, established in 1979, is designed to honor leading poets and writers in the Asean region.

The aim of the award is to promote the creation of literary works by writers of this region, honor regional literary talents, create a wider awareness and appreciation of literary wealth as well as enhance mutual understanding and harmony among writers and readers of the Asean countries.

Notable Filipino authors who have received this prestigious award include literary greats Nick Joaquin, Alejandro Roces, Bienvenido Lumbera and Virgilio S. Almario, among others.