The Carlos Palanca Foundation Inc. has officially opened the call for entries for the 76th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, commonly known as the Palanca Awards. This prestigious literary competition, the longest-running of its kind in the Philippines, is now accepting submissions from Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens of all ages, whether residing locally or abroad.
Each author may submit only one entry per category. The competition features multiple divisions:
- Novel and Nobela (open every other year)
- English Division: Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play
- Filipino Division: Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula
- Regional Languages Division: Short Story – Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Ilokano
- Kabataan Division: Kabataan Essay (English) and Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino) for writers under 18
The Kabataan Division requires informal, personal essays on a specific theme. For the English category, the theme is: “As the world becomes more connected yet increasingly shaped by differing ideologies, beliefs, and perspectives, young people face the challenge of understanding the divisions around them and helping shape a more hopeful future. How can today’s youth rise above differences and become bridges of understanding, promote peaceful coexistence, and help build societies rooted in empathy, mutual respect, and collective progress?” For the Filipino category, the theme is: “Habang ang daigdig ay lalong nagiging magkakaugnay, patuloy din itong hinuhubog ng magkakaibang ideolohiya, paniniwala, at pananaw. Nahaharap ang mga kabataan sa mga pagsubok na unawain ang mga pagkakawatak-watak o paghahati-hati sa lipunan, habang nagsisikap na makabuo ng isang bukas na puno ng pag-asa. Paano makaaahon ang mga kabataan sa ganitong kalagayan? Paano sila magsisilbing tulay ng pagkakaunawaan, magtataguyod ng mapayapang pakikipamuhay, at makatutulong sa pagbuo ng isang lipunang nakaugat sa malasakit sa kapwa, respeto sa isa’t isa, at sama-samang pag-unlad?”
Eligible works include those first published or produced between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, as well as unpublished or unproduced works. For the Novel and Nobela categories, authors may submit either published or unpublished works, but published entries must have been first published between June 1, 2024 and June 30, 2026. Only unproduced works may be entered in the Dulang Pampelikula category. Works that have received a prize in another contest before midnight of June 30, 2026 are not eligible.
Submissions must be completed online through the Palanca Awards website at palancaawards.com.ph. The Carlos Palanca Foundation will not accept printed or email submissions for any category. The deadline for entry submission is June 30, 2026.
For official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Awards website. Inquiries may be directed via email at cpfoundation@palancaawards.com.ph or by landline at +632 8478 7996, looking for Ms. Ester Alfaro. Alternatively, you may call or leave a message at mobile number +63917 828 2762 (+63917 828 CPMA) to ensure your inquiry is acknowledged and addressed on time.
All winners will be honored in a special ceremony later this year. Stay tuned for further announcements by following the CPMA website and CPMA Facebook page at fb.com/palancaawards.
