The Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. is now accepting entries for the 76th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the country’s most prestigious literary competition. The Palanca Awards welcome Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages, whether based locally or abroad, to participate in this year’s competition. Authors may submit only one (1) entry per category.
Literary Categories Open for Submission
Entries are accepted in several categories across multiple divisions. The categories include Novel and Nobela; 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, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano; and Kabataan Division – Kabataan Essay (English) and Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino). The competition continues to recognize literary excellence across English, Filipino, and regional languages through multiple categories covering fiction, poetry, essays, drama, and youth writing.
Kabataan Division Themes for Young Writers
The Kabataan Division for young writers under 18 is accepting submissions in two categories. Entries must be informal, personal essays based on the official themes provided by the organizers. The theme for Kabataan Essay (English) states: “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?”
The theme for Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino) states: “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?”
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Works eligible for the contest include those that were first published or produced between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, as well as unpublished or unproduced works. For the Novel and Nobela categories, which are opened every other year, authors may submit either published or unpublished works, provided that published entries were first published between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2026. Only unproduced works may be entered in the Dulang Pampelikula category. Any work that has received a prize in another contest before midnight of 30 June 2026 is not eligible.
All submissions must be completed online through the official Palanca Awards website: Palanca Awards Official Website
The Carlos Palanca Foundation will not accept printed and email submissions for any category. Participants are encouraged to review the official contest rules and forms before submitting their entries.
Deadline for Submission of Entries
The deadline for submission of entries is 30 June 2026. Entries submitted beyond the deadline will not be accepted.
Contact Information and Official Announcements
For official contest rules, forms, inquiries, and other concerns, participants may contact the organizers through the following channels: Email: cpfoundation@palancaawards.com.ph; Landline: +632 8478 7996 (look for Ms. Ester Alfaro); and Mobile: +63917 828 2762 (+63917 828 CPMA). Participants may also follow official announcements and updates through the Palanca Awards Facebook page:
All winners will be honored in a special ceremony later this year.
