By Gabriela Baron
The Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA) and the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards Asia-Pacific for 2020 have been indefinitely deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Philippines Graphic announced on June 9, Tuesday.
The news was announced by Philippine Graphic Literary Editor Alma Anonas-Carpio.
Philippine Graphic’s Tony and Nick’s section will also suspend publication of poetry and fiction pieces since its published works are considered entered into the NJLA and NJLA Asia-Pacific.
The NJLA and NJLA Asia-Pacific are the annual awards of the literary magazine the Philippine Graphic. Awards are open to Filipinos and residents from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand.
The awards select the best works of fiction and poetry for the entire year.
NJLA was named after National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin who is considered as one of the most important Filipino writers. Majority of his works were written in English.
Joaquin was the editor-in-chief of the Philippines Graphic at the time of his death in 2004.