The Dumaguete Literary Festival (Duma LitFest) returns for its 2026 edition from April 17-20, featuring an expanded program of literary events celebrating the city's designation as a UNESCO City of Literature. The festival will showcase stories of change and transformation through panels, performances, workshops, and book launches across multiple venues in Dumaguete City.
According to the festival organizers, this year's theme centers on "Becoming Dumaguete City," gathering voices and perspectives from Dumaguete and beyond to celebrate ideas, imagination, and creative exchange. The four-day festival will bring together writers, readers, and storytellers whose works continue to shape literary discourse in the region.
The complete festival schedule was released on April 15, 2026, with organizers noting that some events require prior registration or are by invitation only, while most activities remain free and open to the public.
Opening Day Features Regional Literature Panel
The festival officially opens on April 17 at The Courtyard on EJ Blanco Street with a welcome program at 1:00 PM, followed by musical performances by the Belltower Project. The opening day's highlight includes a panel discussion on "Writing in a Transforming, Emerging Region: The Case for NIR Literature," featuring writers from across Negros Island Region.
Panelists include Ann Verbosidad from Bayawan, Jonathan Davila from Bacolod, Rolin Migyuel Obina from Bais, Andre Aniñon from Dumaguete, and Shane Jay Fabugais from Siquijor. The panel will be moderated by Matthew Yasi and takes place from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM.
The day concludes with the official launch of Dumaguete as a UNESCO City of Literature at The Presidencia Dumaguete, hosted by the Philippine Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM) and the Dumaguete City Local Government Unit. A special theatrical performance of "Sisa: Panaghoy ng Pinakamiserableng Babaeng Katha ni Rizal" by D'Salag Collective will follow at 6:30 PM.
Romance Writing Workshop and Children's Programming
April 18 features specialized workshops, including the "#KiligKraft: Learning to Write a Contemporary Filipino Romance Novel" at Marina Clubhouse Filinvest Dumaguete from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN. The workshop, curated by Mina Esguerra with RomanceClass authors, requires pre-registration but remains free for participants.
Children's programming runs simultaneously at The Sala on EJ Blanco, curated by Gayle Acar and hosted by Katinka Visitacion. Activities include a Philippine birds coloring session with Vince Pascua, storytelling with Silliman Creative Writing students, and a talk on illustrating children's books featuring Adrian Panadero and Fran Ong.
The second day also includes panels on creative nonfiction and horror literature in Philippine writing, along with a discussion on Virgin Labfest. The day concludes with a book launch for "The Last Days of Magic: Stories" by Ian Rosales Casocot, published by Anvil Publishing.
Literary Tourism and Publishing Insights
April 19 begins with a Dumaguete Literary Tour for invited guests, curated by Ian Rosales Casocot for the City Tourism Office. The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN and showcases literary landmarks throughout the city.
The day's programming includes comprehensive panels covering contemporary fiction writing, film writing, translation work, and Philippine publishing. A notable session titled "Everything You Need to Know about Publishing in the Philippines Today" features eight industry professionals including publishers, editors, and authors discussing the current state of the local publishing landscape.
Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo delivers the festival's keynote address on "Writing in Dangerous Times" at 6:00 PM, followed by a meet-and-greet and book signing session.
Extended Programming Through April 22
The main festival concludes on April 20 with "Women who Write," a meet-and-greet and book signing session at LibrAria Books featuring six prominent female authors including Geraldine Solon, Mitos Suson, Claire Betita de Guzman, Merlie Alunan, Angela Gabrielle Fabunan, and Yvette Tan.
Extended programming continues through April 22 with specialized workshops conducted by UNACOM at Buglas Isla Cafe. These invitation-only sessions include "Writing for Children" with Bea Alegre, "Writing the Hometown" with Ian Rosales Casocot, and "Find Your Story" with Dante Nico Garcia.
The festival's appendix events conclude on April 22 with two special programs: a marathon reading of Edith Lopez Tiempo's "The Charmer's Box and Other Poems" commemorating her 107th birth anniversary, and the launch of "Migratory Notes" by Angela Fabunan Flores.
Multiple Venues Across Dumaguete
Festival events span multiple venues throughout Dumaguete City, with primary locations including The Courtyard and The Sala at 58 EJ Blanco Street, The Presidencia Dumaguete, Marina Clubhouse Filinvest Dumaguete, and LibrAria Books. The Arts + Design Collective Dumaguete hosts the Zine Fest and Literary Bazaar from April 17-19.
A continuous Zine Fest and Literary Bazaar runs daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Arts + Design Collective Dumaguete, providing additional opportunities for literary engagement and book purchases throughout the festival period.
Festival organizers encourage participants to check the complete schedule carefully, noting that events occur across different venues and time slots. Some workshops have limited capacity, while others require specific registration procedures or invitations.
The complete festival schedule and registration information are available on the official website at cityofstories6200.org/festival-schedule/. Most events remain free and open to all literature enthusiasts, authors, and storytellers interested in participating in Dumaguete's celebration of its literary heritage.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Duma Literary Festival