UP teacher wins 2023 PBBY-Salanga Grand Prize

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) awards this year’s PBBY-Salanga Grand Prize to Arnold Tristan L. Buenaflor’s Koronang Santan.

Buenaflor is an instructor under the Departmento ng Wika, Panitikan, at Sining at the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio. He is also the founding chairperson of Bahaghari UP Baguio. He was a fellow at the Palihang Rogelio Sicat 15 and Teaching LGBT Literature of UP Likhaan. In 2018, he was given the Ignite Brave Award of Amnesty International Philippines. His works were published both locally and internationally in journals and publishing houses such as 8letters, beestung, RFD Magazine, and Likhaan Magazine. This is Buenaflor’s first PBBY-Salanga Prize. 

PBBY also recognized six Honorable Mention winners: Ang Nawawalang Bunga by Rommel A. Pamaos; Lilipad-lipad ang Paruparong Dagat by John Romeo Venturero; Nakikisilong by Eljay C. Deldoc; Ang Araw ng mga Ina ni Tala by Chrystel Therese V. Darbin; Hindi Ako Mayumi! by Joshene Pearl S. Bersales; and Ang Dating Magkakaibigan sa Baryo Bantas by Jake D. Fraga.

The winners will be awarded at the 40th National Children’s Book Day celebration on July 18, 2023.

For inquiries about the contest, contact the PBBY Secretariat at secretariat@pbby.org.ph.