If you are a poet based in Davao, or anywhere in Mindanao,and you’re looking for places to share your voice, you’re in a vibrant literary moment. Over the past decade, writers from Mindanao have found increasingly visible platforms to publish original poetry, both in local journals and in regional anthologies that celebrate community, language, and identity. In this blog, we’ll explore the top poetry anthologies accepting submissions in Davao, how to submit to them, and practical tips for getting your work published.
Whether you’re a fresh voice or an established poet, this guide will help you discover platforms where your poems can be read, appreciated, and published.
1. Dagmay – The Official Literary Journal of the Davao Writers Guild
Dagmay stands out as the most prominent and reliable poetry anthology platform directly linked to Davao. It is the official literary journal of the Davao Writers Guild, a longstanding and respected organization that nurtures local writers and promotes literature across Mindanao.
Dagmay accepts submissions in multiple languages, including English, Tagalog, Binisaya, and other Mindanawon languages. If you submit in a regional language, be sure to include an English translation so that the editorial team can fully appreciate your piece.
Why Dagmay Matters
- Local credibility: Dagmay has become a centerpiece of the Davao literary community, publishing work by emerging and established poets alike.
- Publication platforms: Accepted poems are published not just on Dagmay’s website but also in SunStar Davao, expanding your exposure to local readers.
- Multilingual support: You can write in your most comfortable language,regional or national,making Dagmay ideal for vernacular poets and those exploring hybrid linguistic styles.
Submission Tips
- Include a brief bio.
- Follow the email subject format: Title of Your Poem [Poetry]
- Focus on strong themes tied to place, heritage, or personal experience.
2. Mindanao & Regional Anthologies via Local Literary Groups
While Dagmay is the most direct anthology platform in Davao itself, the region’s literary scene is supported by indie publishers and collectives that participate in events like the Philippine Book Festival in Davao City.
For example, the Indie Publishers Collab PH (TIPC) regularly features Zines and poetry anthologies from independent presses during the festival. Though not always open year-round, these collaborations often accept submissions from local writers and publish works that celebrate regional life, identity, and languages.
Some of the publishers and presses associated with this movement include:
- LitArt Publishing, which promotes short-form literature, including poems.
- Southern Voices Printing Press, which highlights voices from the South.
- Balangay Books / Isang Balangay Media Productions, which publishes collections that uplift local cultural narratives.
These presses may not always have formal, year-round anthology submission calls, but they are excellent places to watch and connect with if you want your poetry included in regional collections tied to book festivals or collaborative anthologies.
3. Bisaya Poetry and Regional Language Collections
Many Davao poets write in Bisaya (Cebuano) or other Mindanao languages, and several anthology calls prioritize regional languages. One notable example is a BISAYA anthology call for Hiligaynon & Kinaray-a poems, which shows how regional groups outside Davao are actively curating southern Philippine poetry. While deadlines may vary yearly, these opportunities open doors for language-specific submissions from Mindanao writers.
How to Benefit
- Follow local and regional literary groups on social media and community bulletin boards.
- Join local workshops or writers’ clubs in Davao that facilitate regional anthology submissions.
- Prepare a bilingual version (original plus English) to maximize accessibility and reach.
4. National Anthologies That Welcome Davao Writers
While not exclusively Davao-based, these journals and anthology calls are open to Filipino poets from all regions, including Davao. They’re important if you’re looking to take your work beyond the local scene.
Philippines Graphic Reader – Poetry Section
The Philippines Graphic Reader regularly accepts original poetry submissions alongside short stories. While this isn’t limited to Davao poets, it’s a prestigious, nationwide platform that can significantly boost your literary profile.
What to Know
- Submit unpublished poems by email.
- Provide your contact details, a photo, and a short biography.
- Works published here often appear in annual anthologies of selected pieces, giving you broader exposure.
5. Online and Global Anthology Opportunities (Useful for Davao Poets)
To expand your publication reach, many online poetry communities accept submissions internationally. Although these are not Davao-specific, they provide additional publication opportunities for poets in Davao.
PoetrySoup Anthology Calls
PoetrySoup periodically opens calls for themed anthology submissions,for example, a collection focused on human rights and peace. While not Philippine-specific, Davao poets can certainly participate and expand their audience.
Benefits
- Global audience and visibility.
- Themed anthologies help you place your poems in broader dialogues.
- Many of these platforms are free to submit (or low-cost).
6. University and Workshop-Linked Anthologies
Academic and workshop networks frequently compile anthologies from their participants or open calls.
Though the Silliman National Writers Workshop is based in Dumaguete and not Davao, it represents the kind of prestigious writing community anthology poets from Mindanao often aspire to join. Workshops like this often publish selected works from participants, including poetry, in annual collections.
Why This Matters
- Attending workshops or applying to them can lead to inclusion in respected anthologies.
- Workshops may not have annual public calls, but their alumni networks often publish collaborative collections.
Tips for Submitting Your Poetry Anthology Work
Getting your poetry accepted is about craft and strategy. Here are key tips:
1. Know the Publication’s Voice
Every anthology or journal has its own editorial focus. Dagmay, for example, values regional identity, community voice, and vernacular richness, while nationwide journals like the Philippines Graphic Reader blend contemporary themes with classical craft.
2. Follow Submission Guidelines Carefully
Many anthologies reject submissions simply because they don’t follow instructions,whether that’s format, file type, or subject line labels. Always double-check guidelines before sending.
3. Prepare a Strong Bio
Even for anthologies that accept multiple poets, a compelling author bio helps editors understand your story and context.
4. Embrace Linguistic Diversity
If you write in Bisaya, Cebuano, Tagalog, or other regional languages, include an English translation when required,this increases editorial accessibility without sacrificing your voice.
5. Stay Active in Literary Circles
Attend local readings, festivals, and workshops in Davao and across Mindanao. Personal connections often lead to anthology invitations and collaborations.
Why Davao Is an Exciting Place for Poets
Davao has grown into a dynamic literary hub within the Philippines’ Mindanao region. While Manila might attract broader national attention, Davao’s community of writers brings rich perspectives rooted in Mindanao’s cultural diversity, multilingualism, and lived experiences that are deeply poetic and resonant.
Dagmay, for example, has become a launching pad,not just for poetry,but for community storytelling that bridges tradition and modern expression.
Beyond formal anthologies, Davao’s poetry scene thrives through:
- Open mic nights and poetry readings
- Local festivals and literary events
- University literary groups
- Collaborative zine projects and indie presses featured at the Philippine Book Festival.
These grassroots platforms often serve as the first home for poets who later get picked for larger anthologies, both regional and national.
Conclusion: Your Path Forward in Davao Poetry
Publishing poetry is a journey of voice, persistence, and strategic outreach. In Davao today, that journey is supported by a growing network of anthologies, journals, and literary communities eager for fresh perspectives. Whether you submit your poems to Dagmay, explore regional anthology calls, or aim for nationwide platforms like the Philippines Graphic Reader, the key is to remain active, read widely, and write fearlessly.
Davao’s poetic community is rich and welcoming,your voice adds to this vibrant chorus. Keep writing, keep submitting, and let your work find its audience both in Mindanao and beyond.
Disclaimer: The Legacy Ghostwriters shares publisher information for educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the publishers listed, and we do not guarantee anything related to submissions, acceptance, or publication. Our team provides professional writing, editing, and marketing support to help authors prepare and present their work effectively.
