Fifteen translation fellows, including 5 high school teachers, a published writer, a graduate creative writing student, and 8 education undergraduate students, participated in the first Hablon-Usipon Children’s Book Translation Workshop to create free licensed reading materials using the StoryWeaver platform.
Committed to enriching communities through literature and translation, the PhilWiki Community teamed up with PB Writers Inc. and the San Miguel Bay Writers Workshop to inspire the translation fellows to create culturally relevant materials for young readers.
The accepted translation fellows were selected based on their applications and sample works submitted. They are Lorelyn Arevalo (Filipino), Jeremy Agorita (Filipino), Maureen Angela Sueno (Bikol Central), Mary Grace Saniel (Filipino), Nora Rejalde (Filipino), Janelle Tanguin (West Albay Bikol), Mayden B. Jaravata (Rinconada Bikol), Sheena Aiza A. Bagacina (Filipino), Mary Jean Sibulo (Bikol Central), Dahlia T. Encinares (Bikol Central), Michael Vale Duran (Bikol Central), Eunice De los Santos (Bikol Central), Yanelle Bino (Bikol Central), Michael Barcela (Bikol Central), and Marenel Comia (Bikol Naga).
The majority of the participants came from the CBSUA Wiki Club, the Wiki Club Minalabac and the WikiWomen Filipinas.
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges associate professor Elbert O. Baeta delivered the keynote address, followed by his presentation on “Translation as Homecoming.” He reflected on his translation journey, particularly his work on translating Mia Tijam’s “Flowers for Thursday” into Rinconada Bikol. The director of Center for Rinconada Culture and Arts (CRCA) shared the valuable insights he gained from working closely with the author, especially in addressing the challenges posed by stories originally written in English but deeply rooted in Rinconada cultural sensibilities.
Parasurat Bikolnon president Irvin Sto. Tomas provided a synthesis of various perspectives on translation by national and international writers in his lecture entitled “Dakitaramon: Pagpatalingkas kan mga Panurat na Nakalangob sa Dilang Kinagimatan.” A primary school teacher and PhilWiki Community founding chair, he also introduced the participants to his research on Central Bikol orthography as well as to different Creative Commons licenses, guiding the translation fellows through the technical aspects of their work.
Associate professor and CBSUA Wiki Club coordinator Jerome M. Hipolito emphasized that translation is a form of negotiation between the translator and the text in his presentation entitled “Translation as Negotiation.” He explained that a translation is an approximation of the source language and culture, meant to effectively carry the story into another linguistic and cultural context, enabling it to reach a broader audience. He advised the translation fellows to pay close attention to the structural elements of the source language, as well as the cultural nuances embedded in children’s stories as they must remain accessible and engaging for young readers.
PhilWiki Community president Maffeth O. Sto. Tomas, who supervised the entire event, expressed deep gratitude to all participants during the closing program. She acknowledged the invaluable support and guidance provided by the mentors and emphasized the importance of collective effort.
The 2-day translation workshop celebrated the 10th anniversary of the PhilWiki Community. This Wikimedia affiliate promotes open educational resources and organizes training, conferences, and partnerships with educational and cultural institutions.
Spreading the Spirit of Free Knowledge 