AMID the growing focus on science-related courses, Thomasian literary icons are calling for incentives to support the arts and humanities.
“I think what’s important is to reward the writers financially,” said Prof. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, director of the Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies, in a webinar titled “Icons of Ink: A Celebration of Literary Giants” on Aug. 5.
“If they could see that their work is valued as much as the scientist’s work is, they will go on working,” she said.
Hidalgo also emphasized the importance of establishing literary scholarship by exposing writers to constructive feedback.
“[If] nobody really critiques [your work] in a serious way, pointing out what you’re doing right, what you’re doing wrong, and what you are contributing to the body of knowledge—that’s a limitation on your own development,” Hidalgo said.
Longtime Varsitarian adviser and former Philippine Daily Inquirer arts and culture editor Joselito Zulueta called for increased institutional investment in cultural work.
“For the University to really make the humanities relevant, kailangan magkaroon siya ng cultural office that will somehow invest in all of these cultural productions,” Zulueta said.
Hidalgo suggested that the Faculty of Arts and Letters consider offering a degree program specializing in theater arts.
This program can address the lack of formal mentorship despite the presence of theater organizations on campus.
“There are students who wanted to be involved in theater, but they cannot major in it because it doesn’t exist,” Hidalgo told the Varsitarian.
The webinar was part of “Bridges,” a series of talks featuring discussions within the Thomasian community. It was organized by the UST Alumni Association, in collaboration with the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters and the UST Philets and Artlets Alumni Association. J.P. Ortega
