To write our literary and intellectual history is a significant undertaking, one that scholars of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have embraced with dedication. 

Building on the successes of conferences honoring the late Edel Garcellano in 2018, 2019, and 2023, we organized a fourth iteration aimed at preserving his legacy as PUP’s foremost literary critic, poet, and scholar.

This year’s theme diverged from the earlier focus on literary and cultural studies, but the shift toward exploring PUP’s broader literary and intellectual history remains deeply aligned with Edel Garcellano’s impact on the university’s landscape. This initiative sought to spotlight the contributions of PUP thinkers and writers, including those who intersected with his academic journey—who he had known, debated with, or influenced.  

The plan, through the pioneering efforts of PUP’s Institute of Social History, is to document and critically examine the rich intellectual tradition of the “Sintang Paaralan”—an endeavor that remains both timely and necessary.

The conference was made possible through the collaborative efforts of PUP and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) officials, alongside key institutional units, including the PUP Research Institute for Culture and Language, the Center for Creative Writing (CCW), and the Center for Philippine Studies (CPS), in partnership with the NRCP Humanities Division, as well as the support of Edel Garcellano’s family. 

Research production

After a series of productive meetings with the NRCP Humanities Division to finalize the event details, we set our sights on fostering a deeper research culture and mentorship, primarily aimed at encouraging PUP faculty to actively engage in research production while also promoting membership in the NRCP Humanities Division.

These efforts culminated in the 4th Edel Garcellano Conference on Philippine Studies and Intellectual History, held last Nov. 12 at the PUP Theatre in the College of Communication Building, PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila. 

The conference offered a full day of insightful discussions, featuring a keynote address, a plenary talk, and research presentations alongside conversations, with hybrid sessions also conducted via Zoom.

The scholars Dr. Romeo P. Peña and Dr. Charlie S. Veric discussed their perspectives on Philippine Studies. 

Peña delivered the keynote address titled “Ang PUP, ang Social History, at si Edel Garcellano,” which traced the establishment of the PUP Center for Social History and the influences of Edel Garcellano. In his own paper titled “How the US Invented Filipinization: 1898-1946,” Veric examined the impact of US colonialism on Filipino identity formation. 

The conference also honored the outstanding contributions of PUP faculty, staff, and students with the PUP Literary Incentives Award, a recognition to foster excellence in literary production and research.  

Insight and collaboration

Key sessions showcasing research by PUP faculty were central to the conference’s program, enriched by insight from NRCP Humanities Division rapporteurs. These discussions spanned diverse topics. 

Prof. Jomar G. Adaya’s paper, “Mula Institute of Social History Patungong Center for Philippine Studies: Ilang Tala sa Kasaysayan ng Sentrong Pampananaliksik ng PUP” traced the origin and depth of CPS as a research center and was guided by comments from Veric.

Prof. Lenin Carlos M. Mirasol’s discussion on “Si Dominador B. Mirasol at Ang Utopya sa Agos ng Kanyang mga Katha, 1960s – 1998” received thoughtful feedback from Dr. Ma. Crisanta Nelmida. 

Prof. MJ Rafal paper, “Realismo Bilang Utopya: Ang Kaso ng ‘Buhawi’ ni Rogelio L. Ordoñez,” an analysis of the author’s work, was further refined by comments from Dr. Louie Jon A. Sanchez.

The anthology “Mga Agos sa Disyerto,” which featured the socially relevant works of Dominador Mirasol and Rogelio Ordoñez, marked a turning point in Philippine literature. In various ways, their works shaped the literary tradition and left a lasting influence on today’s generation of PUP writers.

Adding to the discourse, Prof. John Paolo Sarce explored the intersection of soundscapes and gender in “The Soundscape in City: Constructing Philippine Cities through Sound and Music in Cuenca’s Night Music and Song of the Black Opal.” Dr. Joyce L. Arriola provided recommendations for further development.  

Prof. Marvin M. Lobos presented his work, “Si Rogelio L. Ordoñez at ang PUP – Linangan sa Paggawa at Ugnayang Industriyal: Paunang Tala sa Kasaysayang Intelektuwal ng Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas bilang Pamantasan ng Uring Anakpawis,” and Prof. Rosemarie O. Roque introduced the potential of documentary theater in her paper, “Breaking Ground: Introducing Documentary Theater as a Creative Practice at PUP.” The two presentations received insightful critiques from Dr. Glecy C. Atienza.

This conference emphasized conversations with PUP faculty members, aimed at helping them navigate their academic trajectories and address gaps in fields that remain underexplored. 

The collaboration, which also marked the beginning of a sustained effort to enrich the university’s research culture, will continue to grow and deepen as the research projects presented evolve into published works.

Looking ahead 

As the CCW chief, Prof. Merdeka “Dekki” Morales, often emphasized in our conversations, there is a pressing need to dedicate effort to studying the lives and contributions of PUP’s scholars, particularly women writers and revolutionary martyrs, who have profoundly shaped the university’s identity and ethos.  

Too often overlooked, these individuals play a pivotal role in PUP’s history and the broader cultural narrative—something students and the next generation ought to study and appreciate.  

These lines from Edel Garcellano on writing and reading and the ways by which we navigate our chosen paths are a constant reminder of the responsibility of politically committed writing: “Delikado ba ang mga sinusulat mo? Ang mga binabasa mo? Kung sirkero ka at nadulas ka habang naglalakad sa alambre, malalaglag ka ba diretso sa lupa o may safety net na sasalo sa ‘yo?”

They strike a deep chord in me: a call to be resolute in our writing, and to realize that there is much work to be done. 

In looking ahead, the CCW is committed to once more build on the success of this year’s conference. Anchored on the enduring legacy of Edel Garcellano and PUP’s literary and intellectual history, the conference series promises to remain vibrant for the years to come.

Jenna Dolovino is a media correspondent for Manila Today and a staff member of the PUP Center for Creative Writing. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in sociology and nurtures a passion for creating zines that highlight the experiences of women and workers.

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