Nationwide Literature Education Series Visits Legazpi

The literary and youth volunteer group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), in partnership with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will begin its 2013 series of free seminar-workshops at Bicol University, Legazpi City, Albay on June 28, 2013.



The 23rd edition of the “Sining ng Tugma at Sukat” (STS; Art of Rhyme and Meter) will also be held in partnership with the local hosts, namely the Provincial Government of Albay and Bicol University.



Started in 2008, the STS is a nationwide education outreach program that has toured 22 towns and has served 1,272 people, mostly public school teachers and students. It aims to help advance literature, language, patriotism, and the beneficiaries’ communication skills through the teaching of native literary works and forms.



For 2013, the STS program is part of the larger project titled “Sulong: Dangal ng Filipino,” which includes day-long seminar-workshops on the “Sagisag Kultura” (cultural icons of the Philippines) and the National Orthography. Several of the tentative venues for STS 2013 are Roxas, Capiz; Iligan, Lanao del Norte; Koronadal, South Cotabato; Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Tacloban, Leyte; Naga, Camarines Sur; Cebu City; and several satellite events in Metro Manila.



Founded in 1985, LIRA is a nationally recognized, volunteer-run, education NGO; the oldest organization of poets in Filipino; and one of the country’s premier literary groups. In pursuance of its mission of advancing literature, language, and patriotism, the organization holds a yearly five-month-long poetry clinic held for the most part in UP Diliman. The STS is an effort to bring part of this clinic outside of Metro Manila.



In 2011, LIRA was declared as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) in Malacañang Palace by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, making LIRA the first literary group in the TAYO Awards’ nine-year history. In 2012, LIRA was named by the National Outstanding Volunteer Awards as the National Capital Region’s outstanding volunteer organization.



Heading the STS Legazpi team as its lecturer is the award-winning poet Dr. Michael M. Coroza of the Ateneo de Manila University. The program is directed by Phillip Kimpo Jr., LIRA president, with the help of Beverly W. Siy, immediate former president and creator of the STS. Kimpo and the KWF’s Kriscell Largo Labor are the local coordinators for STS Legazpi. Parties interested in helping or participating in the program can contact the STS team at pykimpo@gmail.com.