The longest-running and most prestigious literary contest in the country is still accepting submissions until May 31.

Categories include Novel and Nobela; English Division (Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play); Filipino Division (Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula); and Regional Languages Division (Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano).

The special Kabataan Division for writers below 18 years old has two categories: English and Filipino. Submissions must be informal (personal) essays that answer the question “At a time when spreading of misinformation is getting common, what can you do to help people, especially the youth, search for the truth?” (Kabataan Essay) and “Sa panahon na laganap ang pagkalat ng maling impormasyon, paano mo matutulungan ang mga tao, lalo na ang kabataan, na hanapin ang katotohanan?” (Kabataan Sanaysay).

The contest is open to all Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens of all ages except current directors, officers, and employees of the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. Authors may submit only one entry per category. 

Participants may contact the CPMA office through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at (02) 843-8277 for further inquiries and other concerns.