Prof. Ralph Semino Galan, incoming director of the Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS), plans to launch new literary programs whose inaugural editions were postponed because of the conflict in the Middle East. Concerns over travel and transportation costs amid the uncertainty led to the postponement of the programs, he said. Galan said the center intends to collaborate with partner institutions, including De La Salle University, on programs honoring literary figures Cirilo Bautista and F. Sionil Jose. Galan plans to work with writing institutions outside Metro Manila to broaden the CCWLS’s representation in the national literary scene. He also expressed interest in launching a forum on ecocriticism and nature writing in response to concerns over climate change.