Writer-Teacher Wins 2026 PBBY-Salanga Grand Prize
The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) awards the 2026 PBBY-Salanga Grand Prize to Genaro R. Gojo Cruz for his story, Tinamaan Ako ng Galing! Inspired by a popular Filipino expression, this story highlights the importance of family, friends, and caring for others.
Gojo Cruz is an award-winning writer who teaches at the Literature Department of De La Salle University and serves as an Associate in Children’s Literature at the university’s Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center. He has written over 150 children’s books to date.
PBBY also awards Honorable Mention to Rhandy Diaz Santos for Atsarang Papaya; Shane Orlene T. Malinay for Ayaw Kong Magpalda; and John Patrick F. Solano for Sayaw ng mga Kamay ni Nanay.
The winners will be awarded in a ceremony to be held on National Children’s Book Day on July 21, 2026.
For inquiries about the contest, contact the PBBY Secretariat at secretariat@pbby.org.ph.
