Alfrredo N. Salanga, after whom the PBBY Writers’ Prize is named, was one of the founding members of this organization. Frredie was a writer’s writer, a man who lived through the blood of his pen as journalist, fictionist, poet and, that most exacting of roles, editor. As a college student, he wrote an essay called “Down from the Hill” that changed forever the way the Ateneo de Manila looked at the place of education in our society. And always he explored and tested, questioned and amplified the role of artists in a country of the poor. His knowledge of the humanities and Philippine culture was expansive, motivated as it was by love for country and pride in our native soul.

His wall-eyed smile inspired younger writers to persevere in their craft. He raised them from the melodrama of adolescent angst with the twinkle of his eye, and set them off to serve not just the muses of Parnassus but the children of the slums. His lumbering gait belied the quickness of his wit. Many writers would not be writing today had they not met this small round man whose girth could not contain his mind, whose mind could not span his heart. His awards are many but his gifts to us are more and so we remember him every year the competition for the Writers’ Prize is held. Let all who compete and all who win remember not only his talent but his service to our souls.

National Artist Lauro Z. Alcala was one of the founders of The Philippine Board on Books for Young People. As the illustrator representative of the board, he was instrumental in the formation of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK) after a children’s book illustration workshop organized by Goethe Institut Manila and PBBY in 1991.

Larry Alcala’s art is still relevant during these times. In his simple but distinct style, he has effectively captured the core of the Filipino in his “Slice of Life” cartoons and in his character creations such as Mang Ambo, Asyong Aksaya, Siopawman, Kalabog and Bosyo, and Congressman Kalog.

His legacy as an educator, mentor, and proponent of the visual communication program at the academe has made the role of the artist more significant in Philippine society.

Most of all, his art can be appreciated by Filipinos from all levels of society. There is mastery in his simplicity. There are messages in his images. His galleries are the dailies.

The younger generation can definitely learn a lesson or two from his artistry and from the messages he conveys.