Philippine Literature After EDSA Revolution

Study Notes

The EDSA Revolution in 1986 significantly impacted Philippine literature, marking the beginning of a new era.
The revolution ended the Marcos dictatorship, which had suppressed freedom of expression and fostered collaboration among artists for survival.
Martial law, implemented by Marcos in 1972, restricted writers' freedom and contributed to a climate of fear and censorship.
Under martial law, literature often reflected themes of resistance, rebellion, and the struggle for democracy.
The years following the revolution saw a surge in literary activity, with a wider range of voices and perspectives emerging.
The proliferation of concerns among writers reflected the changing socio-political landscape of the Philippines.

The post-EDSA era witnessed the establishment of several Creative Writing Centers within academic institutions, promoting literary development and fostering new writers.
Writers' organizations like UMPIL, PANULAT, Panday Lipi, GAT, LIRA, GUMIL, LUDABI, and PEN provided platforms for writers and facilitated literary initiatives.
The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards in Literature, sponsored by La Tondeña, continued to recognize and promote high-quality literary works in both English and Filipino.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), established in 1992, played a crucial role in supporting and developing Philippine literature through funding workshops, conferences, publications, and other projects.
The NCAA aimed to cultivate a national literature that was multi-lingual, multi-cultural, and inclusive of diverse voices.
NGOs like the Amado V. Hernandez Foundation, the GAPAS foundation, and KAIBIGAN contributed to recognizing writers from specific sectors of society.
Campus publications served as outlets for experimental and non-traditional writing, often reflecting the perspectives and concerns of students.

Emerging literary criticism drew inspiration from theoretical frameworks developed in England and the United States, enriching the analytical approaches to Philippine literature.
Post-EDSA publishing ventures embraced a spirit of experimentation and willingness to explore unconventional literary projects.
The decline of New Criticism, a dominant critical approach, opened up space for new perspectives and interpretations of literary works.
There was a growing emphasis on retrieving and reviving works written in Philippine languages other than Tagalog, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural preservation.

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