The PBBY-Alcala Prize is awarded to outstanding illustrators who are able to capture the heart and youthful charm of the Salanga prize-winning stories. Launched in 1984, it was first known as the PBBY’s Illustrator’s Prize and later renamed the Alcala Prize in honor of Larry Alcala, National Artist for Visual Arts and a founding member of PBBY.

The winning artist receives the Alcala Prize medal, a cash award, and the prospect of being published by respected children’s book publishers in the industry.

Through the years, the Alcala Prize has inspired a variety of artistic styles and creative approaches. It has opened doors for visual storytellers to have their works published and become part of a respected circle of local children’s book creators.

The contest is co-sponsored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Library of the Philippines.