In a recent Executive Order issued by the Office of the Mayor, the local government of Metro Manila has declared November 22 as “Araw ng Pagtula” (Poetry Day).
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte stated in Executive Order No. 19 that November 22, the birthday of esteemed Filipino poet Jose Corazon de Jesus, “is hereby declared as ‘Araw ng Pagtula’ in Quezon City. This day will be celebrated annually in elementary and secondary schools in the country. In the event that the special day falls on a weekend, the special day will be observed on the Friday following the special day.”
Moreover, Mayor Belmonte’s E.O. No. 19 said that the reading, writing and performance of poetry will also be integrated in all Quezon City government events. The LGU has already begun this notable effort, as they have been inviting poets to read aloud their works at the QC flag ceremonies and other important activities. In addition, the Quezon City Library hosted the “Palihang LIRA” workshop of the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) last June 17.
The city’s celebration of Poetry Day will be an endeavor involving several groups. Mayor Belmonte has formed a Poetry Day Steering Committee composed of representatives from her own office and other departments, namely: City Administrator, Tourism, Education Affairs, Division of City Schools, Parks Development and Administration, Public Affairs and Information Services, Quezon Memorial Circle, plus three private sector representatives from national organizations of writers, poets and publishers.
This steering committee will be in charge of conceptualizing, developing, promoting, and implementing not just the National Poetry Day program every November 22, but also the programs that will integrate poetry into all other events of the Quezon City government.
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario hailed the QC government’s initiative to highlight poetry’s significance in nation building and the development of the Filipino soul. Mr. Almario said, “Ikinagagalak ko ang paghirang ng Lungsod ng Quezon sa ika-22 ng Nobyembre bilang Araw ng Pagtula, at ang kanilang pagkilala sa pagtula bilang mahalagang bahagi sa paglinang ng kulturang Pilipino. Malaki ang maitutulong ng kanilang programa sa pag-usbong ng sining ng pagtula sa kasalukuyang panahon, at sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan.”
