Melchor F. Cichon

Melchor F. Cichon is a poet and librarian at the Great Saviour College Library, Iloilo City, Philippines, after retiring from the position of head librarian. Cichon is also the Head of the Readers Services Section of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo. He is a former lecturer in management at the College of Management.

Cichon's poetry has been recognized by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), which awarded him with the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas on 25 August 2001.^[1] He is a recipient of the 2006 Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Grants, awarded by the Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute(FLDCWI), Coordinating Center for Research and Publications of the University of San Agustin.^[2] His manuscript is entitled "Siniad-Siad nga Kaeangitan/Strips of Heaven" and is a collection of Aklanon haiku with English translations.

Education

• Certificate in Fisheries, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1970
• Bachelor of Science in Education, Manuel L. Quezon University 1974
• Certificate in Governmental Management, University of the Philippines, Visayas 1982
• Master in Management (Public Management), University of the Philippines, Visayas 1982
• Master in Library Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman 1985

Awards, Recognition, Honors

• 1963—First Honorable Mention, Mindanao Regional School of Fisheries, Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City, 1963.
• 1969—Second Prize, On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest, MLQU, Manila, June 11, 1969
• 1971—3rd Honorable Mention, Slogan Writing Contest, sponsored by the Sulu Ng Inang Wika, MLQU, Manila, August 19, 1971.
• 1971—Partial Scholar for three consecutive semesters, School of Education, Manuel L. Quezon University, Manila, 1969–1971
• 1979—Only winner, Poetry Writing Contest, sponsored by the Public Information Radio Iloilo, Iloilo City, 1979 (now DYLL Radyo ng Bayan)
• 1983—Fellow, UNDP-UNESCO-NSTA-UPILS, 5th Post Graduate Training Course for Science Information Specialists in Southeast Asia, 1982–1983
• 1991—Certificate of Appreciation presented by Akeanon Literary Circle, November 10, 1991, Kalibo, Aklan
• 1993—First Prize, First Home Life Award for Poetry, 1993. (Winning piece: A Letter
• 1994---CCP Literature Grant for 1994 for the writing of Ham-at Madoeom Ro Gabii, Inay? Ag Iba Pang Binalaybay (POETRY), February 28, 1994
• 1994—Certificate of Appreciation awarded by Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, July 21,
• 1994—Recognition for his earnest efforts and dedication in serving as TRAINOR on the Application of UNESCO-MINI-MICRO CDS/ISIS Software to Library Operations
• 1994---First Prize, Home Life Poetry contest, 1994. Entry: A Letter
• 1994—Second Prize, Aklanon Category, First All-West Visayan Poetry competition, 1994. Entry in Aklanon: Hueas It Bato ag Baeas ag Iba Pa nga Binaeaybay
• 1994—Second Prize, Filipino Category, First All-West Visayan Poetry competition, 1994. Entry in Aklanon: Mga Bueabod sa Kauswagan
• 1994—Third Prize, Professional Category, Uswag U.P. Visayas 1994, essay writing contest, UPV, Iloilo City. Entry: DR. LEONCIO P. DERIADA: MASIGLANG LIDER SA MULING PAG-USWAG NG MALIKHAING PANULAT SA WESTERN VISAYAS
• 1994—Writing Fellow, 34th National Writers Workshop, May 2–20, 1994, Dragon Room, CAP Building, Dumaguete City, sponsored by Creative Writing Foundation
• 1996---Certificate of Appreciation, for having served as Resource Person during the Training Course on Fisheries Research Methodology and Technical Writing sponsored by the Department of Agriculture-bureau of Agricultural research held at the College of Fisheries, UP in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo, December 2–4, 1996.
• 1996—Third Prize, Professional Category, Uswag U.P. Visayas 1996 essay writing contest, UPV, Iloilo City. Entry: SI HENERAL FRANCISCO DEL CASTILLO NI TAY ITSONG.
• 1996—Writing Fellow of the 3rd Iligan National Writers Workshop, April 22–26, 1996, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City
• 1997—Service Award, for 29 years of service to the UP Library, on March 7, 1997, UP Main Library, Gonzales Hall, diliman, Quezon City
• 1998—Third Prize in the Hari/Hara sa Binalaybay 1998 held at the UPV Auditorium, Iloilo City, March 13, 1998. The winning piece is SA MGA NAGKAEABALI NGA SILAK
• 1999—Certificate of Recognition for his Thirty-Two (32) Years of Invaluable and Dedicated Service in the University of the Philippines, presented on July 28, 1999
• 1999—Featured in a book of poems by our poets to mark the end of the century, IN TIME PASSING, THERE ARE THINGS: 100 Home Life Poets, edited by Leoncio P. Deriada. 1999. One of the two Aklanons in this book.
• 2001—Certificate of Appreciation awarded by the University of the Philippines in the Visayas UPV Kamaragtas for his unselfish and dedicated efforts as a judge in the Quiz Bee on the Filipino-American War held at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Audio-Visual Hall on February 27, 2001.
• 2001—Certificate of Appreciation presented by Alpha Phi Omega, International Services Fraternity and Sorority, Kappa Gamma Chapter, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, as judge in the 1st Alpha Phi Omega-Inter-College Debate held on the 22nd day of February 2001.
• 2001—Outstanding Alumnus, Lezo Elementary School, Lezo, Aklan, April 1, 2001
• 2001---Recipient of Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas (for Aklanon Poetry) for his outstanding achievement and pioneering work in poetry in Aklanon, August 25, 2001, Goethe Institut (German Cultural Center), Auditorium, Aurora Blvd, Quezon City. Bestowed by Union ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL)for his outstanding achievement and pioneering work in poetry in Aklanon that have marked his considerably significant and permanent contribution to Philippine literature. Using the peculiarities of his mother tongue to its full potential, he has, in articulate poetic terms, expressed the lamentation and celebrations of his fellows, transcending the local milieu to become one of the country's esteemed poets.
• 2002—First Prize, Bigkas Binalaybay 2002, professional and written category. Entry in Aklanon: Si Ambong, Ati.
• 2003---Certificate of Appreciation for unselfishly supporting the organization (Alpha Phi Omega, International Collegiate Service fraternity and Sorority, Kappa Gamma chapter, UP in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo) by sharing his time and talent as one of the Chief Judges during the PAINDISANAY 2003, a Literary Musical Contest held on September 25, 2003 at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas Auditorium, Iloilo City.
• 2004, July 22---awarded as the University of the Philippines in the Visayas Most Outstanding Research and Professional Staff
• 2004—Nominee to the Lingkod ng Bayan Award
• 2006—Book writing awardee conferred by the Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute (FLDCWI), Coordinating Center for Research and Publications of the University of San Agustin for manuscript Siniad-Siad nga Kaeangitan (Strips of Heaven), a collection of Aklanon haiku with English translations.

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI)
• Member, Philippine Association of Research and Academic Libraries (PAARL) (In-active)
• Adviser, Akeanon Literary Circle (ALC)
• Co-Adviser, UP Akeanon (University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo)
• Co-Adviser, Grand Knight Chess Club, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miag-ao,Iloilo)
• Auditor and Founder, Ilonggo Literature Archive, Inc. (ILA), Iloilo City
• Secretary, Ilonggo Literature Foundation, Inc. (IFLA), Iloilo City
• PRO,REPSA, UP in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo
• Chancellor, Knights of Columbus, School Council 10095, based in UPB Iloilo City
• Lifetime Member, UMPIL
• Member, UP Writers Club (for having attended the creative writing workship in Dumaguete City)
• Member, Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) (in-active)
• Member, Philippine Association of Research and Academic Libraries (PAARL) (In-active)
• Adviser, Akeanon Literary Circle (ALC)
• Co-Adviser, UP Akeanon (Miag-ao, Iloilo)
• Auditor and Founder, Ilonggo Literature Archive, Inc. (ILA)
• Secretary, Ilonggo Literature Foundation, Inc. (IFLA)
• PRO, REPSA
• Chancellor, Knights of Columbus, School Council 10095, based in UPB Iloilo City
• Lifetime Member, UMPIL
• Member, UP Writers Club

Writing

Cichon has promoted Aklanon literature through his writing and several blogs that he maintains. Cichon's blogs include, Events in My Life, Dawn to Dawn, Profile of Filipino Fisheries Scientists, Fisheries Librarian and Aklanon Literature

Poetry

Kinaray-a

• Inay.Salaming. January 1994, p. 17

At the time of the Spanish conquest, writing was a new import and the use of organic medium such as leaf and bamboo, ultimately lead to the absence of extant pre-Hispanic accounts of Iloilo today. However, oral history – via oral epics has survived to a small degree, as only a few recordings were made from the last known surviving binukots.

The earliest written historical accounts concerning the province relates to Spain’s conquest of the island of Panay by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi moving his headquarters from the island of Cebu and creating the first Spanish settlement in the island in Ogtong in 1566. In 1581 the encomienda in Ogtong was moved to La Villa Rica de Arevalo, however, because of frequent coastal raids by Moro and Dutch privateers, this was again moved near the mouth of the Irong-irong river founding what is now Iloilo City and constructing Fort San Pedro to defend it in 1616.

Irong-Irong appears in the Maragtas legend of the coming of ten Bornean datus (Chieftains) to Panay who bartered gold for the plains and valleys of the island from a local Ati chieftain. One datu, Paiburong by name, was given the territory of Irong-Irong (now Iloilo). For 300 years before the coming of the Spaniards, the islanders live in comparative prosperity and peace under an organized government and such laws as the Codes of Kalantiaw.

Filipino

• Basura at Lapad. In: Patubas; an Anthology of West Visayan Poetry, 1986-1994. Edited by Leoncio P. Deriada. Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 1995, p. 133
• Nanay Soriang. In: Patubas; an Anthology of West Visayan Poetry, 1986-1994. Edited by Leoncio P. Deriada. Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 1995 p. 134
• Pagtulak Ng Gabi. Mediawatch December 1993, p. 35
• Lorna. Home Life November 1996, p. 35
• Kung Linggo Ng Umaga Sa Lezo. Home Life January 1997, p. 43
• Ang Gamu-Gamu at ang Lampara. Home Life June 1997, p. 42
• Huwag Nang Magyabang Sa Marami Mong Patubas. Home Life, January 1997, p. 43

Akeanon(some)

• Ambeth. Philippine Panorama, August 14, 1994.
• Ay, Saeamat. Salaming, January 1994, p. 1
• Emergency Room. The Aklan Reporter, December 7, 1994, p. 10
• Eva, Si Adan! (Finalist Sa Unang PremyoOpeniano A. Italia Competition, January 1993,Duenas,Iloilo)
• Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii Inay? Philippine Panorama, March 27, 1994, p. 29. (First Aklanon poem published in the Phil. Pan.) Also in The Aklan Reporter, April 6, 1994, p. 8.
• Hin-uno Pa. The Aklan Reporter, February 23, 1994, p. 8. Also in Ani December 1993, p. 44
• Inay. Philippine Collegian, October 4, 1973, p. 3 (First Aklanon poem in the Philippine Collegian)
• Limog sa Idaeom. Ani December 1993, p. 48
• Mamunit Ako Inay. The Aklan Reporter, December 28, 1994, p. 10
• Manog-Uling. The Aklan Reporter July 29, 1992, p. 9. Also in Ani December 1993, p. 50
• Owa't Kaso, Saeamat. Mantala 3:97 2000
• Ro Bantay. The Aklan Reporter, September 6, 1995, p. 7
• Sa Mga Nagkaeabali Nga Silak. (Binigkas at Nagkamit Ng Pangatlong Gantipala sa Pangalawang Premyo Openiano A. Italia Competition, March 13, 1998, UPV Auditorium, Iloilo City)
• Sa Pilapil It Tangke. Ani December 1994, p. 46
• Toto, Pumailaya Ka. Pagbutlak (First Aklanon in Pagbutlak)
• Welga. Mantala 3:99 2000
• Si Ambong, Ati. (unpublished), 2001

English

• Poem in June. Home Life, June 2004,p. 24
• A Letter. In: In Time Passing, There Are Things : 100 Home Life Poets edited by Leoncio P. Deriada. Makati City: Home Life, 2000, p. 86. (This poem won first prize in its First Poetry Contest, 1993)
• Still. In: In Time Passing, There Are Things, p. 87
• Thank You, Anyway. Mantala 1(3):98 2000
• Strike. Mantala 1(3):99 2000
• Rue. Busay. June 1992, p. 91 (This poem won Third Place, English Poetry Writing Contest,Miag-ao Summer Arts Camp Poetry Workshop, 1992)
• Pushing the Night Ani 3(2): 151 June 1989
• A Youth's Voice. Ani 3(2): 152 June 1989
• Brother. Busay 3(1):14 December 1997
• Upon Seeing Magellan's Cross Busay 3(1):15 December 1997
• Lorna. Busay 2(1):44 October 1996
• Driver. Busay 2(1):45 October 1996
• Women of Antique. Philippines Free Press, December 12, 1991

Fiction

• Silabu. (Revised version) The Aklan Reporter, April 16–22, 1998, p. 8
• Silabu. In Selebrasyon at Lamentasyon; Antolohiya ng Maikling Kuwento ng Panay/ Carmen L. de los Santos, editor; Ma. Milagros G. Lachica, John E. Barrios, mga tagasalin. Quezon City: U.P. SWF, 1998, pp. 42–53.
• Melin. The Aklan Reporter, Oct. 15-21, 1998, p. 10-11
• Sa Kamaisan. The Aklan Reporter, Oct 29-November 4, 1998, p. 8-9

Books and pamphlets

• Matimgas Nga Paeanoblion; anthology of Poems Written by Aklanons, edited by Melchor F. Cichon. Lezo, aklan: Tierra Alta Publications, 2011. 103p.
• Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems by Aklanon, edited by Melchor F. Cichon, Edna L. Faral, and Losally Navarro. Kalibo, Aklan, Published privately by the editor and others and was printed by Macar Enterprises. 2005.
• Love Can Find A Way And Other Proverbs on Love. Privately published. Iloilo City, 2003.
• Ani Aklanon. Edited by Leoncio P.Deriada, Melchor F. Cichon, Pett R. Candido, Joeffrey L. Ricafuente, Nady M. Meren. Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines. December 1993.
• The Katipunan In Aklan. John E. Barrios, Melchor F. Cichon, Dominador I. Ilio. Manila: National Centennial Commission, 1997. 87p.
• University of the Philippines in the Visayas Research and Publication Abstracts 1987-1993.Editors: Augusto E. Serrano, Jr. and Melchor F. Cichon. Miag-ao, Iloilo: Office of research Coordination, University of the Philippines, 1994. 82p.
• Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii? (Bakit Madilim ang Gabii?) Kalibo, Aklan: the Author. Printed at Macar Enterprise, Kalibo, Aklan. 92p.
• Research Abstracts 1982-1994. Editors; Liberato V. Laureta, Liah C. Catedral and Melchor F. Cichon. Miag-ao, Iloilo: Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, U.P. in the Visayas, 1996. 107p.
• Thesis Abstracts: Food technology (1984–1999). Compiled and edited by Melchor F. Cichon, Ninfa L. Bandorio, and Mara M. Posecion. Miag-ao, Iloilo: College of Fisheries Library and SOTECH Library, U.P. in the Visayas, 1999. 62p.
• Philippine Oddities. Electromedia, Makati City, 2001 (was released in CD format)
• Philippines First Facts. Published serially in Panay News,1988.
• Mga Patugmahanon in Aklanon. 2005. Unpublished.
• Web sites on fisheries. 26p. Unpublished.

Articles

• Agustin Umali: A Distinguished Filipino Ichthyologist. Otolith 4(1):15 January–March 1997.
• Aklan: A Young Yet an Old Province Visayan Progress Recorder 11(5):9 April 21, 1995.
• Aklanons Beliefs and Practices on Death: Their Implications and Development. Aklan Reporter October 31-November 1996.
• Biab: Herbal Miracle From Antique. Panay News (Iloilo City), March 9–15, 1988, p. 2,8.
• Book Review: Biology and Culture of Penaeus Monodon. UPV Newsletter, September 1989, p. 3
• Book Review: Distinguished Personalities of Aklan by Filemon V. Tutay. Danyag; Journal Studies in the Humanities, Education and the Sciences, Basic and Applied. 2(2):118-119 December 1986.
• Book Review: Giant Clams: A Lucrative Mariculture Alternative. UPV Newsletter March 1990, p. 6
• Book Review: History of the Filipino People. UPV Newsletter, November–December 1989, p. 4
• Book Review: Management of Wild and Cultured Sea Bass/Barramundi (Lates calcarifer). UPV Newsletter, January 1988, p. 4
• Book Review: Technical Consideration for the Management and Operations of Intensive Prawn Farms. UPV Newsletter, October 1989, p. 5
• Current Contents: what is it all About? Otolith 2(4): 15 October–December 1995.
• Dr. Albert Herre: A Pioneer in Philippine Fisheries Science. Otolith 3(4):11–12 October–November 1996.
• Dr. Deogracias V. Villadolid: Father of Fisheries Education in the Philippines. Otolith 3(1):13 Jan-March 1996.
• Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada: Masiglang Lider sa Muling Pag-Uswag ng Malikling Panulat sa Western Visayas. Daluyan 5(2):8-11, Abril-Hunyo, 1994.
• Harana in Aklan and Its Cultural Implications. Paper read during the Second Regional Annual Conference on Local History held in the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Iloilo City, Nov- 20-22, 1991. Published in Busay June 1992, pp. 20–26. Also in Proceedings of the Second Regional Conference on Western Visayas Culture and History, 1993, pp. 12–14.
• Instant Bagoong: A Breakthrough. UPV Newsletter 11(3):16 Jan-Feb 1997.
• Jose S. Domantay: An Internationally Acclaimed Natural Scientist. Otolith 2(2):11-12, 16.
• Pamaeaye in Aklan and Its Role in Value Formation. In: Proceedings of the Third Regional Conference on Western Visayas Culture and History. UPV Center for West Visayans Culture, 1994, pp. 9–14.
• Philippine Oddities. Published serially in March 9–15, 1988-December 12–14, 1988.Panay News,March 9–15
• Philippines Firsts. Published serially in Visayas Progress Recorder (Iloilo City), June 1, 1984 – August 2, 1985.
• Professionalizing Further the U.P. Non-Teaching Employees. Pagbutlak, Summer 2000, pp. 2–7
• Prudencia V. Conlu: Ichthyoologist Par Excellence. Aklan Reporter, August 23, 1995, p. 3
• U.P. College of Fisheries Library: A Perspective. ASLP Bulletin September–December, 1971, pp. 109–114. Co-author with Altagracia Balane.
• University Archives and Records Depository: A Center of UPV Heritage. Otolith 3(3):15 July–September 1996.
• UPV Library Goes High Tech. Otolith 2(1):7 January–March 1995.
• UPV Museum of Natural Sciences. Otolith 2(3):15 July–September 1995.
• User Studies in the Philippines: A Literature Survey, 1977-1982. Journal of Philippine Librarianship, March–September, 1983, pp. 75–80.
• Edna Laurente Faral, Aklan Pride. Good News Philippines. June 7, 2005.
• Galunggong (Roundscad), the Philippine Fish Topnotcher.Good News Philippines.June 20, 2005.
• Instant Bagoong: A Breakthrough. Good News Philippines. April 28, 2005.
• Is Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the 14th or 15th President of the Philippines? Good News Philippines. April 29, 2005.
• Levi Mercado, the Next Pinoy GM?. Good News Philippines. June 21, 2005.
• Rice Coffee? April 21, 2005. Good News Philippines
• Sea Cucumber, a Gensing of the Sea. May 16, 2005. Good News Philippines
• The New Testament in Aklanon. Good News Philippines. April 25, 2005.
• Visayan Sea, A Haven for Fishes. Good News Philippines. May 1, 2005.

References

External links

• Melchor Cichon at Panitikan
• Aklanon literature