Works of UPV authors, editor are finalists in 42nd National Book Awards

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Three publications by authors and an editor from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) have been named finalists in the 42nd National Book Awards, according to the list released on Sept. 10, 2024.

The finalists include Benjamin, translated into Filipino by Dr. John Barrios and Fennie Mae Tanangonan; Plural Entanglements: Philippine Studies by Dr. Clement Camposano, Dr. Dada Docot, and Dr. Stephen B. Acabado; and Piña Features by Dr. Randy Madrid. The National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle selected these works for this year’s awards.

Benjamin, originally written in Hiligaynon by Angel Magahum—considered the “Father of Ilonggo Novels”—is a finalist for “Best Translated Book in Filipino.” First published in 1907 by La Panayana in Molo, Iloilo City, the novel includes didactic narratives and is seen as a book on proper manners.

Dr. Barrios, a faculty member of the Division of Professional Education (ProfEd) at UPV, translated the novel along with Tanangonan, a UP High School in Iloilo alumna and current UP Diliman student. Benjamin was republished by the University of the Philippines Press in 2023.

Plural Entanglements: Philippine Studies, published by Ateneo de Manila University Press in 2023, is a finalist for “Best Book in Social Sciences.” The book, co-authored by Dr. Camposano, UP Visayas Chancellor, emphasizes the need to extend scholarship beyond Manila and includes contributions that explore themes such as the Philippines’ global participation, social justice, and disaster response.

Dr. Madrid’s Piña Features, published by Far Eastern University and Habi: The Philippine Textile Company, is a finalist in the “Best Book Design” category.

The book offers fresh perspectives on piña fabric as an artisanal textile, a trade commodity, and a symbol of identity and honor. Dr. Madrid is a faculty member of UPV’s Division of Professional Education, College of Arts and Sciences.

The 42nd National Book Awards ceremony is scheduled for November 2024. (Written by AL Ramirez, IPO)