Application for 2026 Silliman National Writers Workshop

It has produced generations of acclaimed Filipino authors.

Attention to all poets, fictionists, essayists, and aspiring playwrights: Silliman University National Writers Workshop (SUNWW)—Asia’s oldest creative writing workshop—is now accepting applications for its 64th edition.

The SUNWW said it’s offering 10 fellowships to promising writers in four genres in the English language: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and drama. The selected writers will stay for two weeks in Dumaguete, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Literature.

According to its guidelines, fiction and creative nonfiction applicants must submit three to four entries. Poetry applicants must submit a suite of seven to 10 poems, while drama applicants may submit at least a single one-act play.

The SUNWW is also accepting manuscripts for Balak and Sugilanon, poetry and short stories in Binisaya, respectively. These follow the same guidelines as they come with English translations.

Non-poetry manuscripts must be 20 pages maximum, double-spaced.

The manuscripts shouldn’t contain the applicant’s real name and address. They must appear only in the official application form and the certification of originality of works.

Applicants must also secure a notarized certification of the originality of their works and a list of at least two references, preferably from a literature professor or an established writer. These references must provide their contact information, designation, and affiliated institution.

The deadline of applications, which are now done online, is on Jan. 31, 2026. The complete guidelines and links to the necessary forms can be found here, while submissions are done here.

The SUNWW was founded by National Artist for Literature Edith Tiempo and her husband, Edilberto Tiempo. It has produced generations of acclaimed Filipino authors.

Aside from hosting the SUNWW, Silliman University was also the first of its kind to offer a BA Creative Writing program in the country.

According to its guidelines, fiction and creative nonfiction applicants must submit three to four entries. Poetry applicants must submit a suite of seven to 10 poems, while drama applicants may submit at least a single one-act play.