The Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute at the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education successfully held the 22nd San Agustin Writers Workshop from January 19 to 21, 2026, at the Fray Luis de Leon Learning Commons, Learning Resource Center, University of San Agustin, bringing together promising writers and distinguished literary figures for three days of intensive learning, dialogue, and creative exchange.
The annual workshop welcomed writing fellows in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama, selected for their potential and commitment to literary excellence.
The writing fellows were John Eric Geromiano (Kinaray-a), Roosevelt Elementary School; Keft Sobredo (Hiligaynon), Maersk; and Al Ryanne G. Gatcho (English), Hunan Institute of Science and Technology for fiction. Kristin Joseff R. Gagajena (English), University of San Agustin; Albert Gerald Palmares (English), Iloilo Doctorsβ Hospital; and Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra (Filipino), West Visayas State University, were the fellow for English, whereas Leigh Gabrielle Marie T. Vacio (Kinaray-a), University of the Philippines Visayas; John Frederic C. Bugayong (Hiligaynon), St. Paul University Iloilo; and Michael Caesar Tubal (English), West Visayas State University were the writers for creative non-fiction. Finally, Angel Marie Penano (Filipino) of the University of the Philippines Visayas was the fellow for drama.
Throughout the workshop, fellows participated in rigorous manuscript discussions, craft lectures, and critical sessions designed to sharpen both their technical skills and artistic vision.
The workshop panel was composed of awardβwinning writers and critics, whose expertise and generosity enriched the learning experience. These included Palanca-award-winning writers and critics, namely, John Iremil Teodoro, Isidoro M. Cruz, Noel G. de Leon, Dulce Maria V. Deriada, Early Sol A. Gadong, and Elvie Victonette B. Razon-Gonzalez, with Eric C. Divinagracia as the expert panelist for drama. Their lectures and critiques provided fellows with valuable insights into craft, discipline, and the responsibilities of writers in contemporary society.
The program was held under the guidance of the founding workshop director S.E.A. Write Awardee Dr. John Iremil Teodoro, whose vision continues to shape the workshop as a vital literary institution. This yearβs workshop was led by the Workshop Director Noel G. de Leon, with the support of Project Director Dr. May Anne T. Jaro, and Deputy Project Director, Isidoro M. Cruz, recipient of the 2025 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for Literary Criticism in English. Jose Anthony Gerard V. Muyco was in charge of the workshop Secretariat. The successful implementation of the program was made possible through the supervision of the CLASE Dean, Dr. Nenelyn D. de la Fuente, whose leadership ensured the workshopβs academic and creative integrity.
A highlight of the event was the book launching featuring works by Augustinians and alumni of the San Agustin Writers Workshop, celebrating the enduring legacy of the program and the achievements of its former fellows. The launch underscored the workshopβs role in nurturing writers who continue to contribute meaningfully to Philippine literature.Most prominent in the launch of eight books was University of San Agustin’s very own Fr. Mamerto A. Alfeche’s “Augustine on the Hope of Groaning Creation: Resurrection of the Body”. The seven other books are Mga Bulawan nga “Bulak” Golden Showers” by John Iremil Teodoro, “Bittersweet Land” by R. Torres Pandan, “Iloilo City on My Mind” by Alice M. Sun-Cua, “The Race to Uswag” by Elvie Victonette B. Razon-Gonzalez, “Buskad” edited by Alice Tan-Gonzales, “Writing from Home: Endless Black Ink on Rice Paper” edited by Isidoro M. Cruz and Alice Sun-Cua, and “Staged Confessions” by May Anne T. Jaro. The event was launched by at the Fray Luis de Leon Learning Commons, Learning Resource Center (first floor) last January 19, 2026.
Now on its 22nd year, the San Agustin Writers Workshop remains committed to fostering a vibrant community of writers grounded in critical thinking, creative excellence, and cultural engagement. The 2026 edition reaffirmed its place as an important space for mentorship, collaboration, and the continued growth of literary arts within the university and beyond./mrb
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photos courtesy of Kasing Kasing Press/Noel Gallon de Leon and Farol July
