As the longest-running literary award in the Philippines, the 2024 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (CPMAL) highlighted a special moment for John Dave B. Pacheco, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Filipino student at Mindanao State University-General Santos (MSU-Gensan).
© Carlos Palanca Foundation
Two at twenty-two
Pacheco celebrated his 22nd birthday by receiving the second prize in the Tula category on October 19 for his poem, Paa, Tuhod, Balikat ng Tagakaulo: Higatang sa Pangil ng pana-panahong pagkalugmok.
“Masaya akong binungad ang kaarawan ko sa komunidad kung saan ako nagmula, at sa parehong komunidad ko natanggap ang biyayang ito—ang koleksyon ng tula na para rin sa komunidad ko,” he expressed in his Facebook post sharing his joy in receiving the email.
His piece, rooted in personal experiences, reflects the hardships faced by his community in Malungon, Sarangani Province, and his tribe– Tagakaulo.
In an interview, Pacheco shared that he received the email announcing his win while in the same place that inspired the piece, just as he was preparing to travel back to General Santos from Davao Occidental.
“I’m literally shaking and crying gid ato na moment. The feeling of first time makadawat og Palanca is very monumental. The fact na nareceive ko ang award mismo sa community kung asa ang inspiration nimo, na-receive nimo ang award para sa community nimo,” he explained.
He also reflected on his aspirations before receiving the award, recalling how he wondered what it would feel like to win a Palanca as an undergraduate.
“Noong nakaraan, pinagmamasdan ko pa ang retrato ni Sir Jademark sa magazine ng Pingkian, nagtatanong kung anong pakiramdam na makatanggap ng Palanca bago makapagtapos sa pag-aaral. Ngayon alam ko na. Alam ko na. Ramdam ko na,” he expressed.
Being one of eight writers who received the award in SOCCSKSARGEN, Pacheco said it was one of the best gifts on his birthday.
Carving a path for Tagakaulo Narratives
“Para sa aking komunidad, patuloy na magiging makatao at magmamahal, magsusulat, manggugulat at magmumulat—gigisingin ang kanayunan na may boses at karapatan ang mga pangkat etniko sa lipunang ginagalawan, na kahit ang kanilang mga ugat ay di alam na may dugong nanalaytay at dapat na manalaytay sa lawas ng kabukiran hanggang habangbuhay—na isinusulong ng mga nakikibaka, kahit pa hanggang huling hingalong hininga,” the writer shared in his gratitude post on Facebook.
Pacheco’s dedication to Tagakaolo narratives pins the importance of recognizing and celebrating indigenous stories within Filipino culture, with his work exemplifying how grassroots movements can foster a more inclusive national identity.
As an MSUan, he represents the university’s commitment to promoting understanding among different tribes, ensuring that the voices of the Tagakaulo community and other indigenous groups are heard and appreciated.
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