Virgilio S. Almario Filipino National Artist for Literature

Nom de Plume — RIO ALMA
Date of Birth — 9 March 1944
Place of Birth — Camias, San Miguel, Bulacan
Name of Father — Ricardo Almario
Name of Mother — Feliciana Senadren
Civil Status — Married
Name of Spouse — Emelina B. Soriano
Children — Asa Victoria, Ani Rosa, Agno Virgilio
Religion — Roman Catholic
Nationality — Filipino

Jump to: Educational Attainment | Employment Experience | Honors and Citations | Published Works | Lectures | Extension Activities

Educational Attainment

• Master of Arts in Filipino, U.P., 1974
• Master of Arts in Education (candidate), U.E., 1963-1968
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, U.P., 1959-1963
• Secondary Diploma, San Miguel High School, 1955-1959
• Elementary Diploma, Camias Elementary School, 1949-1955

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Employment Experience

U.P.

• Dean, College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines-Diliman, 1 June 2003—
• Head of Committee for Filipino Poetry, UP Centennial Literary Award, 2008
• Head of Committee, Natatanging Publikasyon Award, UP System, 2008
• Project Director, National Komedya Festival, UP Diliman, 2007-2008
• Research Work, Chief editor and translator of the Vocabulario de la lengua tagala by Juan de Noceda and Pedro Sanlucar, 2007—
• Research Work, Editing the second edition of the UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino, 2004—
• Director, U.P. Institute of Creative Writing, Diliman, Q.C., 15 June 2002 – 31 May 2003
• Director, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, U.P. Diliman, 1993-1996
• Full Professor, University of the Philippines-Diliman,1990—
• Lecturer, University of the Philippines-Diliman, 1971-1972; 1972-1976

Outside U.P.

• Chair, Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society, Inc. (Filcols), 2007—
• Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, Bulawan Online, 2008—
• Judge, Scholarum Award, De La Salle University, 2008
• Judge, Dalittext sa Katotohanan National Poetry Contest, Filipinas Institute of Translation and UP Institute of Creative Writing, 2008
• Judge, Ustetika Literary Contest, University of Santo Tomas, 2007
• Editor-In-Chief, Bulawan, National Journal for Culture and the Arts, 2000—
• Executive Director, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 1999-2001
• Executive Director, Children’s Communications Center, 1980—
• Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, Filipino Magazine, 1993-1997
• Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, Diyaryo Filipino, 1990-1993
• Editorial Board Member, The Independent and The Observer, 1987-1988
• General Manager, NCP Publishing Corporation, 1977-1980
• Senior Editor, Research & Analysis Center, Department of Public Information, 1975-1977
• Project Officer, Development Academy of the Philippines, 1975
• Editorial Consultant, Konsensus Inc., 1974
• Instruction Specialist, Philippine Science High School, 1973-1977
• Instructor, Ateneo de Manila University, 1969-1972
• Instructor, St. Paul’s College, San Miguel, Bulacan, 1969
• Classroom Teacher, San Miguel High School, 1963-1969

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Honors and Citations

• U.P. Centennial Award, 2008
• U.P. Centennial Professorial Chair, 2008
• Best Book of Poetry, National Book Development Board, 2006
• National Artist for Literature, 25 June 2003
• Saiko Eiyosho, highest honorary award from Soka Gakkai University, 2003
• Gawad Chanselor, Pinakamahusay na Mananaliksik, February 2003
• Gawad Chanselor, Pinakamahusay na Nilathalang Pananaliksik, February 2003
• Lifetime Achievement Award, July 2002, by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People
• Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Award, June 2002, Lungsod ng Maynila
• The Book Development Leadership Awards, 29 June 2001, by the National Book Development Congress 2001
• Sagisag Balagtas, Pinakamataas na Karangalang Gawad ng PASATAF, Abril 2001
• Centennial Award for Literature, 1998, given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to 100 outstanding Filipino artists and writers of the 20th century
• National Book Award for Translation, 1999, by the Manila Critics Circle
• National Book Award for Editing, 1999, by the Manila Critics Circle
• Plaque of Honor and Citations, 19 July 2000, by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People
• Plaque of Appreciation, 8 September 2000, by the town of San Miguel, Bulacan
• Outstanding Citizen Award for Literature, Dangal ng Lipi Award, Bulacan, 1993
• Outstanding Citizen Award for Literature, Gantimpalang Quezon, Quezon City, 1993
• Outstanding Citizen Award for Literature, Gawad Patnubay ng Sining, City of Manila, 1992
• Southeast Asia (SEA) Write Award, Bangkok, 1989
• Poet of the Year (Makata ng Taon), Talaang Ginto, Institute of National Languages, 1984
• Palanca Memorial Awards for poetry and essay, 1970, 1979, 1984, 1990
• CCP Literary Awards for poetry and essay, 1975, 1979, 1984
• Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Literature, 1980
• National Book Award for Poetry, Manila Critics Circle, 1982
• Amado V. Hernandez Award, Institute of National Language, 1980
• Emilio Jacinto Plaque for Outstanding Contributions to Literature and Philippine Studies, U.P., Department of Filipino and Philippine Languages, 1976
• Balagtas Award for poetry and essay, 1975
• Second Poet of the Year, Talaang Ginto, Institute of National Languages, 1967 and 1970
• Benigno Aldana Award, Outstanding Teacher of Bulacan,
• Bulacan Public School Teachers Association, 1968
• Mercado Awards for Poetry and Essay, KADIPAN, 1966

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Published Works

Works with cover photos and sample poems can be found on the Selected Works page.

International

• Japanese version of Ibong Adarna story, Ohanashi Caravan, Tokyo, Japan
• Water, An Ecology Book, contributing editor, Asia/Pacific Cultural Center for UNESCO (ACCU, Japan), 1996
• Trees, An Ecology Book, contributing editor, Asia/Pacific Cultural Center for UNESCO (ACCU, Japan), 1995
• Kuwentuhan Mo Ako!, translation of short stories for children, editor, ACCU, Japan, 1992
• The Sun, contributing editor of an ecology book for children, ACCU, Japan, 1998

National

• Editor, UP Centennial Edition of Balagtas’ Florante at Laura with English translation by Marne Kilates, Office of the Chancellor, UP Diliman, 2008
• Author, Romanza, poetry collection with paintings by Marivic Rufino and English translation by Marne Kilates, Tahanan Books, 2008
• Author, Mga Biyahe, Mga Estasyon (Journeys, Junctions), poetry collection with English translation by Marne Kilates, Anvil Publishing Inc., 2008
• Author, Si Rizal: Nobelista, critical essays on Noli and Fili, UP Press, 2008
• Editor, 101 Icons, symbols of Filipino culture, Bench/Adarna House, 2007
• Author, Bakit Kailangan ang Himala, collection of poems, UP Press, 2007
• Sonetos Postumos, book of poems with translation by Marne Kilates and paintings by National Artist Ang Kiukok, 2006
• Mahigit Sansiglo ng Makabagong Tula sa Filipinas, editor of an anthology of modern poems in Filipino, English, Spanish, Pampanggo, Ilocano, Bicolano, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Waray, Anvil publishing, 2006
• Pag-unawa sa Ating Pagtula, a literary history and criticism of poetry in Filipino, Anvil Publishing, 2006
• Tatlong Pasyon sa Ating Panahon,  poems for children with illustrations by Mark Justiniani, Neil Doloricon, Ferdinand Doctolero, UST Press, 2006
• Memo Mulang Gimokudan, book of poems, University of the Philippines Press, 2005
• Dust Devils, book of poems with translation by Marne Kilates, Aklat Peskador, 2005
• Dionatext, co-editor of an anthology of modern diona, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 2004
• Ang Hayop na Ito, book of poems, Anvil Publishing, 2004
• Sentimental, book of poems, Anvil Publishing, 2004
• Sari-Sari, book of poems, Anvil Publishing, 2004
• Estremelenggoles, book of poems, Anvil Publishing, 2004
• Pablo Neruda: Mga Piling Tula, co-editor and translator, University of the Philippines Press, 2004
• Barlaan at Josaphat, editor of a modern edition of the first translated fiction in the Philippines, 2003
• Ikatlong Bagting, co-editor of an anthology of young poets, UST Press, 2003
• Pacto de Sangre: Spanish Legacy in Filipinas, Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Committee, 2003
• Textanaga, co-editor of an anthology of modern tanaga, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 2003
• Dalitext, co-editor of an anthology of modern dalit, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 2003
• Translation of JB by Archibald McLeish, November 2002
• Bulacan: Bayan ng Bayani’t Bulaklak, editor of a coffeetable book on the history and culture of Bulacan, Bulacan Heritage Foundation, 2002
• Florante at Laura, editor of the revised edition, Institute for Public Policy, 2002
• Supot ni Hudas: Book of Poems, U.S.T. Publishing House, 2002
• U.P. Diksiyonaryong Filipino, editor-in-chief, Anvil Publishing, 2001
• Mutyang Dilim, Talingdao Publishing, 2001
• Kalahating Siglo sa Ibabaw ng Mundo, collection of essays, Anvil Publishing, 1998
• Tradisyon at Wikang Filipino, collection of critical studies on language, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, 1998
• Manuel Sityar: Rebolusyong Filipino, editor of the translation of Memorias Intimas (1896-1898) by Manuel Sityar, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, 1998
• Una Kong Milenyum, two volumes, anthology of all published poems, U.P. Press, 1998
• Noli Me Tangere, translation of Rizal’s novel, National Centennial Commission, 1999
• El Filibusterismo, translation of Rizal’s novel, National Centennial Commission, 1999
• 100 Events that Shaped the Philippines, editor, Adarna books, 1999
• Patnubay sa Pagsasalin, co-editor, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 1996
• Si Tandang Basio Macunat, editor, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 1996
• Poetikang Tagalog: Mga Pagsusuri sa Sining ng Pagtulang Tagalog, editor, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 1996
• Sa Dakong Silangan: Jose Corazon de Jesus, editor, Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1995
• Sentimiento: Translation of Gemma Cruz’ Fiction and Essays, Anvil Publishing Inc., 1995
• Dakilang Tinig ng Dakilang Awit, translation of Jovita Fuentes, A Lifetime of Music by Lilia Hernandez Chung, Foundation for Nationalist Studies, 1995
• Bumasa at Lumaya: A Source Book on Children’s Literature in the Philippines, editor with Ma. Elena Paterno et al, Anvil Publishing Inc., 1994
• Muli, Sa Kandungan ng Lupa, poetry, De La Salle University Press, 1994
• Jose Corazon de Jesus: Ilang Piling Taludtod, a salute to J.C. De Jesus and his poetry in commemoration of his birth centennial, editor with Romulo Baquiran Jr., Sentro ng Wikang Filipino and UMPIL, 1994
• Panitikan ng Rebolusyon (G1896), Isang Paglingon at Katipunan ng mga Akda nina Bonifacio at Jacinto, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, 1993
• Filipino ng mga Filipino, collection of newspaper columns about language, Anvil Publishing, 1993
• Mga Bacchae, translation of the Bacchae by Euripides, 1992
• Kung Sino ang Kumatha kina Bagongbanta, Ossorio Herrera, Aquino de Belen, Balagtas, atbp., literary criticism, Anvil Publishing, 1992
• Students’ Philippine Almanac, editorial director, Filway Marketing Inc., 1991
• Mga Retaso ng Liwanag, poetry, Aklat Peskador, 1991
• Lumikha ng Kuwento, Tula at Laruang Pambata, manual on writing stories, creating songs and poems, making toys for children from indigenous materials, co-author, 1991
• Parikala, anthology of new poets in the 1980s, editor, Kalikasan Press, 1990
• Mga Bakasyonista, translation of Summer Folks by Maxim Gorki, 1990
• Ang Pangginggera at mga Piling Tula ni Lope K. Santos, editor, 1990
• Turtle Voices in Uncertain Weather by Alfredo Navarro Salanga, editor, CCP, 1989, co-translator and editor, 1989
• Makabagong Tinig ng Siglo, selected modern world poets in translation, co-translator and editor, 1989
• Katon Para sa Limang Pandama, poetry, Aklat Peskador, 1987
• Selected Poems 1968-1985 (bilingual edition), Maya Books, 1987
• Kabalikat sa Kalayaan, translation of Aide-de-camp to Freedom by Teodoro M. Kalaw, 1986
• Taludtod at Talinghaga, poetics, Aklat Balagtasyana, 1985 and Anvil Publishing Inc., 1991
• (A)lamat (H)istorya, poetry, Aklat Balagtasyana, 1985
• Palipad-Hangin, poetry, Aklat Peskador, 1985
• Mga Retrato at Rekwerdo, poetry, 1984
• Mga Piling Tula ni Jose Corazon de Jesus, editor, Aklat Balagtasyana, 1984 and Dela Salle University Press, 1995
• Balagtasismo versus Modernismo, literary criticism, Ateneo Press, 1984
• Galian, co-editor, Aklat Peskador, 1983
• Walong Dekada ng Makabagong Tulang Pilipino, anthology of major poets in Pilipino 1900-1980, PECO, 1981
• Patnubay sa Masinop na Pagsulat, writing stylebook, National Bookstore, 1980
• Doktrinang Anakpawis, poetry, Aklat Peskador, 1979
• Ang Makata sa Panahon ng Makina, literary criticism, U.P. Press, 1972
• Peregrinasyon at Iba Pang Tula, poetry, Ateneo Press, 1970
• Makinasyon at Ilang Tula, Pioneer Press, 1968
• Over 50 children’s storybooks in the Aklat Adarna series
• More than a hundred poems and stories and numerous essays on literature and history published in national and international publications
• Anthologized and cited in books, magazines, journals, and folios
• Translations of poems and plays by literary and theater masters

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Lectures

• Lecturer, “Rizal’s German Literary Connection,” UP Institute of Creative Writing, 19 June 2008
• Lecturer and Workshop Panelist, LIRA National Poetry Workshop, every Saturday and Sunday, 7 June-7 September 2008
• Guest Speaker, Launch of the Bulacan Arts, Culture, and History (BACH) Educational Program, Hiyas ng Bulacan, 9 May 2008
• Keynote Speaker, PASATAP National Conference, Baguio City, 5-7 May 2008
• Workshop Panelist, UP National Writers Workshop, Baguio City, 5-12 April 2008
• Guest Speaker, Premio Ambahan, De La Salle University, 25 March 2008
• Keynote Speaker, International Conference on Global Filipino, University of Hawaii, 17-20 March 2008
• Guest Speaker, Pagpupugay sa National Artist, UP Iloilo, 13 February 2008
• Guest Speaker, Forum on “Pang-National Artist Ka ba?” Philippine Art Educators Association, Cultural Center of the Philippines, 20 January 2008
• Guest Speaker, Booklaunching of Jaime Veneracion Book on Bulacan and the Revolution, Museo ng Maynila, 10 December 2007
• Guest Speaker, Kalimudan Festival, Magsaysay Park, Davao City, 17 November 2007
• Guest Speaker, Launching of the Provincial Hardin ng Kagitingan, Malolos, Bulacan, 9 November 2007
• Lecturer, “Modernisasyon ng Filipino,” UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, 31 August 2007
• Guest Speaker, “Komiks at Kulturang Filipino,” Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 28 August 2007
• Guest Speaker, “Patakaran, Nilalaman, at Katayuan ng Filipino tungo sa Globalisasyon, University of Makati, 21 August 2007
• Guest Speaker, “Ang Pagpapaunlad sa Wikang Pambansa,” U.P. Iloilo, 10 August 2007Lecturer, “Ang Bisaya sa Wikang Pambansa,” U.P. Tacloban, 6 August 2007
• Keynote Speaker, National Conference of the Philippine Psychiatrists Association, EDSA Shangrila, 25 July 2007
• Keynote Speaker, Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panitikang Pambata, U.P. Kagawaran sa Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, 25 July 2007
• Lecturer and Workshop Panelist, LIRA National Writers Workshop, Every Saturday and Sunday, 2 June-2 September 2007
• Lecturer, “Why Read,” National Conference of Librarians on the Promotion of the Culture of Reading, Philippine Normal University, 20 April 2007
• Workshop Panelist, U.P. National Writers Workshop, Baguio City, 25-31 March 2007
• Guest Speaker, “Ang Kasaysayan ng Lungkot sa Panitikan,” Holy Angels University, Angeles City, 28 February 2007
• Lecturer, Forum sa Modernisasyon ng Wika, Palawan State University, 26 January 2007
• Lecturer, “Real People Write,” Ateneo de Manila High School, 16 October 2006
• Lecturer, Philippine High School for the Arts convocation, 26 September 2006
• Lecturer, MinGuFil national conference for Filipino teachers, San Pedro College, Davao City, 18 September 2006
• Lecturer, regional conference for teachers, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City, 18 August 2006
• Lecturer, regional conference for teachers, University of Saint Anthony, Iriga City, 16-17 August 2006
• Lecturer, workshop for teachers, San Miguel, Bulacan, 1-3 May 2006 and Malolos City, 23-25 May 2006
• Keynote Address, MinGuFil Founding Congress, Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City, 23 February 2006
• Lecturer, SANGFIL Lakbay-Turo, Floridablanca, Pampanga, 20 January 2006
• Lecturer, Philippine Literature Now, Lyceum of the Philippines University, 12 January 2006
• Keynote Address, Regional Secondary School Press Conference, San Jose del Monte City, 22 November 2005
• Lecturer and participant, Beijing Forum 2005, Beijing University, 16-18 November 2005
• Lecturer, seminar on translating folk literature, Benguet State University, 22 October 2005
• Keynote Address, national conference on Filipino in the academe, Miriam College, 22 August 2005
• Keynote Address, ATAGAN conference, Tayabas, Quezon, 19 August 2005
• Lecturer, seminar on literature, Bataan National High School, 6 August 2005
• Lecturer, seminar on the teaching of Florante at Laura, Poveda College, Pasig City, 16 July 2005
• Keynote Address, Fili-Hispano Friendship Day Program, San Miguel, Bulacan, 28 June 2005
• Lecturer, ALBASA Book Fair, Cebu City, 25 May 2005
• Lecturer, Roots of Philippine Literature, AMA, Makati City, 6 May 2005
• Lecturer, National Seminar on Filipino, Baliuag University, Baliuag, Bulacan, 28 January 2005
• Lecturer, workshop for teachers, Aquinas University, Legazpi City, 14 January 2005 and Sorsogon Provincial High School, Sorsogon, 15 January 2005
• Lecturer, seminar for teachers of Davao, University of Immaculate Conception, Davao City, 27 November 2004
• Lecturer, workshop on poetry, Digos City, 26 November 2004
• Lecturer, Regional Conference of Filipino Teachers, Iligan City, 19 November 2004
• Lecturer, Performing Ethnicity, New York University, New York, 14-17 October 2004
• Lecturer, seminar for literature teachers of the Cordillera region, UP Baguio, 18 September 2004
• Lecturer, seminar on how to teach poetry for Bulacan teachers, Hiyas ng Bulacan, Malolos City, 19 August 2004
• Lecturer, Sawikaan 2004, UP Recto Hall, 17 August 2004
• Lecturer, Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, 13 August 2004
• Lecturer, Blas F. Ople Institute, Manila, 14 May 2004
• Keynote Address, PATCA anniversary, 29 April 2004
• Keynote Address, PASATAF (national association of supervisors in Filipino) Congress, 20 April 2004
• Lecturer, Cotabato teachers’ seminar, Koronadal City, 8 March 2004
• Keynote Speaker, Bicol writers conference, Aquinas University, Legazpi City, 19 February 2004
• Lecturer and panelist, seminar workshop for Bicol writers and teachers, Aquinas University, Legazpi City, 28-29 November 2003
• Lecturer, national seminar on lexicography, UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino and Anvil Publishing, 26 November 2003
• Lecturer, University of California in Berkeley, 23 October 2003
• Lecturer, University of California in Los Angeles, 21 October 2003
• Lecturer, University of Hawaii in Manoa, 15 October 2003
• Keynote Speaker, national conference for teachers of Filipino, Miriam College, 15 September 2003
• Lecturer, seminar on history and heritage, Bulacan State University, Malolos City, 11 September 2003
• Lecturer, Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature, 1 September 2003
• Lecturer, teacher’s seminar, Letran University, 4 August 2003
• Lecturer, International Conference on Children’s Books and Literacy, Reading Association of the Philippines, Robinson’s Galleria, 8 March 2003
• Lecturer, Kuting national children’s literature workshop, Ateneo de Manila University, 2 March 2003
• Philippine Culture and Literature Lectures, Rome, Brussels and London, 4-21 November 2001
• Seminar on Bagong Kalakaran/Usapin sa Wika, U.P. Baguio, 24 January 1998
• Zimbabwe International Book Fair, Zimbabwe, 2 August 1998
• Launching of Liwayway Arceo’s Book of Stories, 28 August 1998
• Workshop on Parent Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, 24 November 1998
• International Conference on Filipino, hosted by the Philippine Normal University and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, 17 December 1998, Traders’ Hotel, Makati
• Malolos Republic Centennial Conference, 21 January 1999, Regina Carmeli, Malolos, Bulacan
• U.P. Centennial Lecture Series, 9 March 1999, Balay Kalinaw, U.P. Diliman
• Singkaban Workshop, 11 March 1999, Hiyas ng Bulacan, Malolos, Bulacan
• Filipino sa Bagong Milenyo National Conference, U.P. Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, 6 May 1999, Bulwagang Recto, U.P. Diliman
• U.P. President lecture Series: Production of Knowledge and Scholarship, 3 August 1999, NISMED Auditorium, U.P. Diliman
• Linggo ng Wika Lecture, 20 August 1999, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila
• Seminar on Ortograpiyang Filipino, 24 August 1999, Audio-visual Room, Philippine Normal University, Manila
• Teaching Noli and Fili as Novels, 12 February 2000, Earthlite Center, Cubao
• Teaching Noli and Fili as Novels, 19 February 2000, St. Louis University, Baguio City
• Sustainable Cities International Conference, 12 April 2000, United Architects of the Philippines, Manila Hotel, Manila
• Kalanguya Tribal Congress, 11 May 2000, Kayapa, Nueva Viscaya
• National Conference on Filipino sa Bagong Siglo, 18 May 2000, SANGFIL, Pulungang C.M. Recto, U.P. Diliman
• National Conference on Reading, 20 May 2000, Reading Association of the Philippines, Robinsons Galleria Suites, Pasig City
• Seminar on Pananaliksik Pangwika, 19 August 2000, AV Theater, Philippine Normal University, Manila
• National Conference in Pagsasalin at Pananaliksik, 24 & 25 August 2000 SANGFIL, Miriam College
• Workshop on Traditions in Poetry, U.S.T. Creative Writing Center, University of Sto. Tomas, Manila
• Linggo ng Bulacan Forum, 8 September 2000, San Miguel and Malolos, Bulacan
• Planning Workshop, 28 September 2000, Pambansang Samahan ng mga Tagamasid sa Filipino, Pansol, Laguna
• Zimbabwe International Book Fair, Zimbabwe, 2 August 1998
• International Philippine Conference, Hawaii, 1996

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Extension Activities

• Jury, Newsbreak Magazine National Essay Contest, 2006
• Jury, Rizal Awards, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Kaisa, 2006?  Chair, Tri-College Executive Committee on the Philippine Studies Graduate Program, University of the Philippines, 2005—
• Judge, Dionatext national poetry contest, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, March 2004
• Chair, National Committee on Language and Translation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 2004—
• Jury, Manila Film Festival, 2003 and 2004
• Judge, Dalitext national poetry contest, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, September 2003
• Judge, Textanaga national poetry contest, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, March 2003
• Member, Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Council, 2003
• Executive Secretary, Samahang Balagtas (association of senators and congressmen), 2002—
• Chairman, Board of Directors, Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, 2002—
• Adviser, PASATAF, 2001—
• Board Member, Board of Advisers, Philippine High School for the Arts, 2001—2007
• Head of Delegation and Lecturer, Southeast Asian Writers’ Meet, kuala Lumpur, 26-29 October 2001
• Reappointed Commissioner, UNESCO National Commission, 6 October 1998-2001
• Secretary-General, Philippine Board on Books for Young People, 1984-1998
• Returning Member, Manila Critics Circle, 2002—
• Member, U.P. Mathematics Committee, 1998
• Panelist, U.P. Writers Workshop, U.P. Baguio City, 1998—
• Panelist, Children’s Literature Workshop, 22-25 July 1998, U.P. Davao City
• Panelist, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino Regional Consultation and Workshop, 11 August 1998, Mindanao State University, Marawi City
• Jury, Centennial Literary Prize, 1998
• Jury, Palanca memorial Awards, 1998
• Jury, Noma Concours, 3 December 1998, Tokyo, Japan
• Jury, KBP Golden Globe Awards, 2000
• Editorial Consultant, Asian Cultural Centre for UNESCO, Tokyo, 29 November-2 December 1998
• Delegate, ASEF Asia-Europe Cultural Insight Seminar for Cultural Management, 25 March-1 April 1999, Barcelona, Spain
• Delegate, ASEAN committee on Culture and Information Meeting, 10-14 May 1999, Dusit Hotel, Makati
• Head Delegate, ASEAN Culture Subcommittee Meeting, 15-18 October 1999, Bali, Indonesia
• Delegate, Asia-Europe Dialogue, 26-29 October 1999, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Delegate and Chair, Children’s Book Planning, 15-16 February 2000, ACCU, Tokyo
• Delegate, Organizing a Network for Cultural Managers in Asia, 1-4 May 2000, Hongkong
• Delegate and Chair, ASEAN Publication Series Meeting, 21 June 2000, Manila
• Delegate, ASEAN Workshop for Heritage Action Program, 25-26 September 2000, Jakarta, Indonesia
• Commissioner, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 1997-1998
• Delegate, UNESCO General Conference, Paris, 1997
• Jury, Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustration, Tokyo, Japan, 1997
• Delegate, International Book Fair, Frankfurt, Germany, 1997
• Delegate, Inter-Regional meeting of Book Promotion, Nairobi, 1997
• Delegate, Book Production for the Third World Country and Pan African Book Fair, Nairobi, Kenya, 1996
• Delegate, International Meeting of Book Promotion Networks, UNESCO, Paris, 1996
• Expert, Asian/Pacific Co-Publication Programme for a Book in Ecology for Children, Tokyo, Japan, 1996
• Jury, Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustration, Tokyo, Japan, 1996
• Expert, ASEAN Children’s Book Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 1996
• Governor, National Book Development Board, 1995-1996
• Delegate, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Congress, Sevilla, Spain, 1994
• Director, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, University of the Philippines System, 1994-1997
• Chairman Emeritus, Writers Union of the Philippines, 1992—
• Member, APC Department of Filipino, U.P. Diliman, 1991-1993
• Lecturer, Book Training Course (workshop on children’s literature), Beijing & Shanghai, China, 1992
• Commissioner, UNESCO National Commission, 1990-1998
• Co-Chairman, PCCA Committee on Language & Translation, 1990
• Secretary-General, Balagtas Bicentennial Commission, 1990
• Columnist, Diyaryo Filipino, 1989-1993
• Expert, ACCU Literary Planning Seminar, Tokyo, Japan, 1989, 1994, 1995
• Speaker, International Round Table Meet for Peace, Moscow, 1989
• Member, International Board on Books for Young People, 1988
• Deputy Secretary, Afro-Asian Writers Union, 1988
• Vice President, Children’s Literature Association of the Philippines (CLAPI), 1986
• National Editor, ASEAN Children’s Book Project, Bangkok, 1987 & 1989
• Chairman, Writers Union of the Philippines, 1986-1992
• Delegate, Writers Conference for Peace, Sofia, Bulgaria, 1986
• Lecturer, Children’s Books in the Philippines, IBBP Congress, Japan 1986
• Delegate, International Writers Conference, Moscow, 1985
• Head Delegate, Writers Exchange Visit, People’s Republic of China, 1985
• Resident Critic, Rio Alma Poetry Clinic and LIRA, 1985-
• Writer-In-Residence, U.P. Writers Workshop, 1984, 1987, 1994, 1995—
• Secretary General, Philippine Board on Books for Young People, 1984
• Expert, ASEAN books for Children Conference, Bangkok, 1984
• Member, Manila Critics Circle, 1983-1998
• Children’s book Publisher and Expert, Biennale Illustration Bratislava (BIB), 1983
• Delegate, USSR Writers Union and USSR Friendship Society, Moscow, 1983
• Project Director, Early Childhood Enrichment Program, 1983
• Vice Chairman, Writers Union of the Philippines, 1981-1983
• Vice Chairman, Advisory Council, Philippine Sesame Street Project, 1982
• Expert, ASEAN Conference on Children’s Book Publishing, Bangkok, 1981
• Expert, ACCU Training Course on Book Publishing, Tokyo, 1979
• President, U.P. Writers Club, 1974
• Columnist of national dailies and magazines
• Editor of various journals, anthologies and other publications
• Writing fellow to the U.P. Writers Workshop, 1969, and the Silliman National Writers Workshop, 1969

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