Entries are now being accepted for the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino’s (KWF) Talaang Ginto: Makata ng Taon, an annual poetry contest in the Filipino language considered to be the Philippine government’s oldest literary award.

The contest, sponsored by the then Surian ng Wikang Pambansa (now known as KWF), started in 1963 and hailed Bulakenyo Bienvenido A. Ramos as its first Makata ng Taon (poet of the year). From then on, the contest has included in its roster various visionaries of Philippine literature including National Artists Virgilio S. Almario, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Cirilo Bautista. Other illustrious winners are Federico Licsci Espino, Rogelio Mangahas, Romulo Sandoval, Jesus Manuel Santiago, Lamberto Antonio, Teo Antonio, Mike Bigornia, Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera Jr., Fidel Rillo, and Ruth Elynia Mabanglo. Talaang Ginto also recognizes new talents such as younger poets Michael Jude Tumamac (2018), Paolo Tiausas (2020), and Mikka Ann Cabangon (2022).

The contest became part of the yearly celebration of Buwan ng Panitikan or National Literature Month that started in 2015 through Presidential Proclamation No. 968, which aims to promote and advance Philippine literature.

Entries will be accepted until 13 March. For contest details, visit kwf.gov.ph or its Facebook page.