To commemorate the University’s celebration of Buwan ng Wika, the Creative Works Unit of the Research, Development, and Extension Office of Negros Oriental State University conducted a two-day Binisaya and Multilingual Writing Workshop on August 24–25, 2026, at Plaza Ma. Luisa Suites Inn, Dumaguete City.

Faculty members from the Department of English and Literature,Social Sciences and Communication Department from the different NORSU campuses attended the workshop, facilitated by Merlie M. Alunan, Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines Tacloban, a nationally and internationally multi-awarded Filipina poet, teacher and mentor, and cultural worker in the Visayas.

According to Creative Works Unit Head Prof. Ann Beverly Corona Verbosidad, the activity is Workshop 8 of Mga Isturya sa Buglas: A NORSU Literary Arts Creative Works Workshop Series, with the series culminating in the hoped-for publication of selected best works in the inaugural issue of a university literary journal, pending approval.

The workshop highlights Binisaya as a language of literary and creative expression within the broader context of regional literature.

Prof. Alunan emphasized that famous stories from the locality should be written in their original form rather than translated, while informants and sources should be properly acknowledged. The stories may revolve around gods, history, heroes, folktales, songs, proverbs, and riddles. “Orality is a form of literature,” she said.

More sharing, readings, and discussions are expected on the second day of the workshop, culminating in a recital.