Meet Elizabeth Quijano, the Blaan indigenous community’s first creative writer to win a National Book Award

What was it that compelled Quijano to start writing? “We weren’t hearing from indigenous writers, especially if they were women,” says Quijano. “I said, ‘If that’s the case, I will be the first.” Ever since, she has continued to push for indigenous Filipino voices in the national literary scene, hosting classes and workshops for aspiring writers in her community.

Despite her conviction, Quijano says that impostor syndrome has been a constant companion on her writing journey. “There were many silent days and months; I wondered if people were awarding me out of pity, as the token indigenous writer,” she says. “But this was an opportunity to know myself better, to face my strengths and weaknesses and emerge a stronger, more resilient version of myself.”  

Quijano currently works as a development communication instructor at the Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in Malita, Davao Occidental. She invites students into writing workshops, amplifying the voices of both female and LGBTQ+ members of indigenous communities. In their first session, students undergo sensitivity training for gender and conflict. The students deepen their appreciation for the literary craft, as Quijano enlists other Filipino writers to host webinars. 

Outside the classroom, Quijano also engages with the community on a larger scale. In 2024, she joined the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, showcasing the value of indigenous writing. “They were amazed that our stories and writers had a platform,” she recalls. Now, she works directly with these communities, prioritising a deep awareness of what makes each group distinctive.  

Schools like Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University are particularly keen on featuring the works of indigenous writers, which has been a big help to Quijano. Aside from those options, Quijano encourages the community to self-publish to help increase the volume of Binisayan reading materials. 

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In the 21st century, most teaching materials and mainstream literature are written in Filipino or English. For Quijano, that has to change. By releasing literature about indigenous people, this pushes the boundaries of the national conversation around literature and cultural practices. “We claim now as our time in the centre, spotlighting indigenous knowledge systems and practices,” she says. “When it comes to fighting climate change and caring for the environment, we have deeply-rooted principles that can create genuine change.” 

Still, she recognises that Philippine indigenous groups, like any other, are not perfect. There are cases of funds being misused, which exacerbates their struggles. She recalls times when people outside the community were of greater help than those within it. “Being part of the indigenous community is not necessarily biological, it’s more ideological,” she says. “It’s more important to be united with people 'outside' the community in fighting for representation. On the other hand, being born into the community doesn’t exclude you from doing the work to make your voice heard. There is still much work to be done.” 

Some community members were unsupportive of Quijano’s work because she is not a pure-blooded Blaan. Quijano also has Kapampangan and Igorot roots. Kapampangans are primarily located in the province of Pampanga and neighbouring regions, which are all found at the centre of Luzon in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Igorot indigenous group is situated in the Cordilleran region of northern Luzon. As the region is known for its mountainous terrain, the landscape has informed much of their lifestyle and distinctive traditions. “They would say I didn’t have the authority to tell the community’s stories,” Quijano shares. “I was not fluent in the Blaan language, the way I was in Cebuano.” Still, she believes that her unique heritage paved the way for her future works. 

Quijano recognises that the Philippines has a long way to go in promoting indigenous causes. “How can we encourage indigenous writers when their basic needs aren’t met?” she asks. “Many don’t have time to read or write. They’re helping out on the farm or watching over their siblings.”  She saw the value in gathering funds for school supplies and meals, but wanted to do even more. 

In 2024, she started to focus on her teaching background and the value of literacy. “I wanted everyone to have access to different sources of information in a safe learning environment, finding a sense of unity there,” she says. 

This resulted in the creation of a cultural community library. She called for donations on social media, receiving help from the Philippine Librarians’ Association. Quijano was also pleasantly surprised to receive “sacks of books” from private individuals, which have created a vibrant library scene that is accessible to both indigenous and non-indigenous readers. 

In the future, Quijano hopes to increase the number of these libraries while adding internet access. “Information is power, and this is one thing indigenous groups often don’t have access to, especially during election season or when preparing for natural disasters,” she says. “As a communications professor, having access to the Internet will empower them to pursue their unique crafts on a global scale.”

Quijano hopes to continue producing good stories that endure through generations. “I want to be remembered as the first Blaan woman to tell such stories, but not the only one,” she says. “I want many women to follow in my footsteps. This would be the greatest way to honour the tales passed down to us from our ancestors.” 

Staying deeply rooted in the wisdom of the elders is key to keeping these stories alive. This will also help writers avoid misrepresenting the community, seeing it as a monolith instead of a tapestry of various groups with their traditions and beliefs. “We all have our ambitions, but it’s important to stay grounded in the experiences and needs of the community,” she says. Being anchored on this truth is what will help the Philippines’ indigenous groups not just to survive, but to thrive. 

Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.

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