Merlie Alunan-Wenceslao
Merlie M. Alunan is a Filipina poet, fictionist, essayist, editor, educator, and cultural worker whose career has been closely connected with Visayan literature. Although born in Dingle, Iloilo, she has an important connection to Dumaguete through Silliman University, where she studied creative writing under Edilberto K. Tiempo and Edith L. Tiempo and later remained involved in the literary community.
Biography
Name: Merlie Alunan-Wenceslao
Also known as: Merlie M. Alunan
Born: December 14, 1943
Location / connection: Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental / Silliman University
Field: Literature / poetry / fiction / essays / literary scholarship
Creative focus: Visayan literature, regional languages, poetry, oral traditions, translation, and creative writing
Education: University of the Visayas; Silliman University
Academic affiliation: University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College
Notable role: Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines Visayas
Major recognition: Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, National Book Awards, UMPIL Award, Sunthorn Phu Award for Poetry, Outstanding Sillimanian Award
Based in: Tacloban City, Philippines
Merlie M. Alunan — Significant Contributions
Philippine and Visayan Literature
Alunan has spent more than six decades working in Philippine literature as a poet, fiction writer, essayist, editor, teacher, and literary scholar.
Much of her work has focused on strengthening regional literature and demonstrating the importance of Visayan languages and traditions within Philippine literature.
Regional Literature and Native Languages
A major part of Alunan’s work has centered on writing, translation, and literary scholarship in Visayan languages.
Her books include Sa Atong Dila: Introduction to Visayan Literature, Susumaton: Oral Narratives of Leyte, and Tinalunay: Anthology of Waray Literature. These works helped document oral traditions and expand the study of Waray and other Visayan literary traditions.
Academic Career
Alunan spent much of her academic career at the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, where she taught literature and creative writing.
She initiated creative writing workshops, mentored younger writers, and promoted writing in native languages. Upon retirement, she was named Professor Emeritus.
Silliman University
Alunan earned her Master of Arts in English, major in Creative Writing, from Silliman University in 1975.
At Silliman she studied under Edilberto K. Tiempo and National Artist Edith L. Tiempo. She later remained active in literary programs connected with Silliman University and the Silliman University National Writers Workshop.
Literary Awards
Alunan has received numerous literary awards during her career, including several Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards and National Book Awards.
Her other recognitions include the UMPIL Award and the Sunthorn Phu Award for Poetry.
Outstanding Sillimanian
In 2026, Silliman University named Merlie Alunan-Wenceslao an Outstanding Sillimanian for the Revival of Regional Literature.
The award recognized her decades of work preserving regional literary traditions, supporting mother-tongue writing, and mentoring writers across the Visayas and Mindanao.
Connection to Dumaguete and Negros Oriental
Alunan’s connection to Negros Oriental is centered on Silliman University and Dumaguete’s literary community.
Her graduate education at Silliman, mentorship under Edilberto and Edith Tiempo, participation in the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, and later recognition by the university make Dumaguete an important part of her literary development and career.
Photo source – Silliman University