MALUNGON, Sarangani -- Bigkas Sarangani 2023 kicked off in the Municipality of Malungon's Linggo ng Kabataan (LNK) celebration as the town joined the observance of International Youth Day and National Language Month.

Bigkas Sarangani triumphantly returned to Malungon after a three-year absence owing to the pandemic's obstacles. The event, themed "Reconnecting Roots, Reconnecting Stories," was held on August 12, 2023, at the Kalonbarak Skyline Ridge.

Bigkas Sarangani was organized by the Sarangani Writers League (SWL) in collaboration with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Malungon, LGU Malungon through its Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), and the Provincial Government of Sarangani through its Ronda Probinsya program.

The said event is dedicated to promoting the creation, propagation, development, and appreciation of literature in the province. The event showcased the talents of emerging poets from Sarangani and the surrounding towns, providing a platform for their voices to be heard.

"At the Sarangani Writers League, we believe that our province is home to a wealth of aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts. Spoken word poetry, one of the oldest forms of literature, has been reinvented to become one of the most accessible and engaging literary forms for young people," said SWL Chairperson Carlou Barroca Espedillon.

"Through Bigkas Sarangani 2023, we aim to promote and cultivate our local literature and languages, and we are thrilled to have the support of organizations that share our passion for this art form. Together, we can help to nurture the next generation of literary talent in Sarangani," he added.

"The event aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the youth to their community, whether it be through their artistic talents, innovative ideas, or other forms of expression," said Malungon's SK Federation Chairperson Carmela Constantino.

"We want the youth to know that the government is here to support them in achieving their aspirations. Our goal is for them to become capable and reliable partners in nation-building and community development, and to be productive members of society, LYDO Head Shiela Manocay said. 

From August 12–18, 2023, Malungon's Linggo ng Kabataan celebration will offer a diverse range of activities for the youth to participate in. These include the International Mural Day Painting Collab, the Malungon Football Clinic, and the showcase of their Municipal Junior Officials, Breakthrough 2.0, and the Malungon Youth Congress.

Their theme for this year's LNK celebration is "Aspiring to Inspire the Bida Youth of Tomorrow, Today."

SWL has organized a series of spoken word poetry events in the province, known as "Bigkas." The first event, held on May 5, 2018, in Malungon, was a resounding success and paved the way for subsequent events in Glan, Alabel, and Maitum.

In February 2022, SWL took the event online with the first virtual Bigkas Sarangani, held in celebration of National Arts Month. These events have provided a platform for local poets to share their work and have helped foster a vibrant literary community in the province. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network/PIA SarGen)