The Filipinas Institute of Translation, Inc. (FIT) launches "Katext Mo Sa Katotohanan" (Your Text Mate For Truth), a dalit poetry writing contest through the popular SMS texting using cellphone technology. FIT has sponsored similar contests in the past using other indigenous literary form like the tanaga and diona.

Dalit is a traditional poetic form consisting of four monorhyming lines of eight syllables each. It is highly metaphorical and conveys an insight on human life and experience. Here is an example:

Ang sugat ay kung tinanggap
Di daramdamin ang antak
Ang aayaw at di mayag
Galos lamang magnanaknak.

(When o ne submits himself to wounding,
The intensest pain is bearable;
When one is unwilling,
Even the merest scratch can fester)

Writers and poetry enthusiasts can join the contest which has a very contemporary theme, the value of telling the truth. Writing poems is an effective way of expressing communal feelings and at this time in our national life, communal action.

Ang tunay na Filipino
Nagsasabi ng totoo
Naglilingkod sa totoo
Ilalaban ang totoo.
- Rio Alma

Contestants can text their poems at 0915-7832810. Or email them at dalitext@yahoo.com. Poems must strictly follow the dalit rhyme and meter. Cut-off time is at 5pm every Friday. Weekly winners gets a prize of P2,000.00 Consolation prize winners will receive certificates. For details, call 9221830 or email at mentioned address.

KATEXT MO SA KATOTOHANAN WINNERS

First Week Winners
Second Week Winners
Third Week Winners

[BALIK]