The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), the government arm in promoting the development of Filipino and other major languages in the country is now open to accept literary works in Bikol for the Gawad Komisyon 2008. Aside from Bikol, the contest is also open to other major languages in the Philippines that include Tagalog, Ilokano, Pangasinan (in cooperation of the Don Jose Tamayo Foundation), Kapampangan, Samar-Leyte, Sugbuanong Binisaya, Hiligaynon, Meranao, and Tausug. The said contest is open to two categories, poetry and short story writing. Works should be original and unpublished and must be written in any of the Bikol languages.

        For Poetry, the poem must not be less than one hundred lines and should not exceed to three hundred. It may use the traditional form of rhyme and meter or free verse while short stories must not exceed the thirty pages limit. There is no specific theme given for fiction. Entries should be submitted with the official form and a short bio-data of the author. First prize winners will be given P 15, 000.00, Second prize, P 10, 000.00, Third prize, P 8,000.00 and three honorable mentions that will receive P 2000, 00 each. This contest is spearheaded by the Panrehiyong Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (PSWF). For other information regarding this literary contest please contact Prop. Alwin N. Napocao of Bicol University in Legazpi City at this email address: Armn11@yahoo.com or www.komfil.gov.ph