Creative writing and literature scholars debunked the common misconception that children are incapable of understanding their social environment, during a presentation of a children’s illustrated book centered on Martial Law.
“Isang Harding Papel,” a picture book written by Augie Rivera and illustrated by Romel Joson, is based on real-life experiences of the author’s cousin-in-law, and tells the story of a young girl who questions her mother’s disappearance during the Martial Law period.
Rivera said he wrote the book in 2014 with hopes that it would widen the perspectives of young readers, amid the age of misinformation and historical distortion.
Kisha Aleena Abuda, a CCLWS resident fellow and creative writing faculty member, said children should be regarded as having the ability to engage with adults “halfway” in making sense of social realities.
“Kasi may konsepto tayo [na ‘yong] bata ay may maliit na tao. Hindi duwende, pero maliit na tao. Minsan dini-discount ‘yong bata, [na] hindi pa makakaitindi,” Abuda said.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Abuda emphasized the curious nature of children, who often ask questions but do not receive clear answers until they grow older and are able to decide for themselves..
“Pinapatunayan rin na may kakayahan ang bata na buuin ang sarili sa ganitong klase ng mundo. May agency siya, may knowledge na mag-decide at i-inform ang kanyang sarili na ito ‘yong nangyari in the past,” she said.
France Andrei Cueta, literary society president, expressed admiration over how the main character’s inquisitive nature provided a refreshing take on a historically controversial topic.
“Parang dito, medyo dark and distorted ‘yong setting because of Martial Law, but if you look at it, sobrang bright ng imagery, and even the story is laced with curiosity and innocence,” Cueta told the Varsitarian.
“From Memories to Pages,” organized by the UST Literary Society and the Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council, was held on Feb. 26 at the Central Laboratory Auditorium. Charlize Ann D. Lavastida
