for children’s literacy

Young mathematician John Patrick Solano has recently earned his second Palanca distinction,
demonstrating his exceptional skills not only in math but also in writing. Through his works, he
hopes to inspire children to pursue academic learning, develop positive values, and use their
skills to excel in their future endeavors.
His collection of poems titled “Odd Numbers” has recently won the first prize in the poetry
written for children category of the 71st Palanca Awards. His piece stood out for its excellence,
marking his second win in the prestigious annual literary competition.
Solano’s journey with literature began by writing poetry in high school. Being part of their school
publication, he had the privilege of having his literary works published on campus. Although he
had a bright future ahead of him in the literary field, he decided to pursue an undergraduate
degree in mathematics, which he had struggled with as a child. In one of his essays, Solano
reflected on his difficulties with understanding the complexities of math and even questioned the
reasons behind its relevance. However, Solano refused to give up and entered college at the
Polytechnic University of the Philippines, determined to overcome his challenge with numbers.
Over time, he grew to love the field of mathematics.
“Malaking tulong ang practice ng pagsusulat para maibahagi ko ang kahalagahan ng math sa
mga bata, at yung sarili kong journey sa pag-aaral nito.” (The writing practice has helped me a
lot in sharing the value of math to kids, and documenting my journey of studying it.)
In 2013, he started gathering kids in their community every Sunday to read them stories and
teach them science, math, and art concepts. As he watched those kids develop their love for
reading, writing, and making art, he discovered how satisfying it was to be a part of their
learning journey.
This experience inspired him to pursue further studies, and he subsequently enrolled in a
graduate program on Malikhaing Pagsulat (Creative Writing in Filipino) at the University of the
Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Through the course, he gained a deeper understanding of
the writing discipline and found a writing mentor in another Palanca award-winning author,

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Eugene Y. Evasco, who once told him: “(Patuloy na) magsulat ng mga kuwentong may pag-asa.
Kahit na malungkot ang pinagdadaanan ng mga tauhan, magpakita pa rin ng pag-asa.”
(Continue creating narratives that showcase hope. Even when your characters are facing
unfortunate circumstances, strive to ignite a glimmer of hope in them.)
Another door of opportunity opened for Solano in 2017 when he was granted a full scholarship
to take a Masters in Science degree in Mathematics at the Prince of Songkla University in Hat
Yai, Thailand. While this academic discipline kept him busy probing math concepts and theories
deeper, his love for the letters didn’t wane. He actively sent in opinion pieces narrating his trials
and triumphs in learning, which were eventually published in major newspapers in the
Philippines.
After returning to the country, he delved into literary writing with full force. By 2020, he was able
to publish his first children’s book and went on to put out three more through various Philippine
children’s publications.
His Palanca-winning collection of poems, “Odd Numbers,” revolves around mathematical
concepts suitable for fourth to sixth graders (9 to 12 years old).
“Dahil sa advocacy ko na ilapit yung math sa mga bata, nag iisip po ako ng math topics like
counting, addition, at prime factorization na pwede kong gawan ng kuwento o tula. With the
guidance of the K to 12 Math curriculum ng DepEd, kumukuha rin po ako ng ideas o topics na
recommended for each grade level.” (Because of my advocacy to introduce and make math
interesting among kids, I come up with stories and poems that revolve around math topics like
counting, addition, and prime factorization. With the guidance of the K to 12 math curriculum of
the Department of Education, I look for ideas and topics recommended for each grade level,
too.)
Through his works, he aims to inspire young learners to develop a love for numbers — much like
how he found his passion for them later in life.
“Unfortunately, yung pagtuturo sa bata natigil po dahil sa pandemic. Noong medyo lumuwag na
yung restrictions last year, bumalik po ako sa kanila, malalaki na po sila lahat so nahihiya na rin
sila magpaturo. Pero tinutuloy ko po ang advocacy ko sa pagsusulat,” Solano shared.
(Unfortunately, our learning sessions were put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. I showed up
last year when the restrictions eased, but the kids have grown a lot and become shy. These
days, I push forward with my literacy advocacy through writing.)

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Solano’s academic achievements in both math and literature have instilled in him the confidence
to make a mark in the world of learning. As he encourages young learners to cultivate the habits
of reading and curiosity, he inspires them to recognize their innate talents and potential for
growth, no matter how hard it takes.
What’s next for Solano?
“Gusto ko pong magsulat ng mga kuwento, tula, at essays tungkol sa iba pang topics bukod sa
math para maibahagi ko pang lalo yung mga ideya na mayroon ako, makuha ang atensyon ng
mas marami pang kabataan, at ma-engganyo silang mag-aral.” (I hope to write more stories,
poems, and essays on varied topics aside from math. This way, I can further articulate my ideas
and narratives, capture the interest of more children, and encourage them to develop a love for
learning.)
As a working professional, Solano manages data and statistics at the Asian Development Bank.
He has published four children’s books courtesy of Tahanan Books, Adarna House, and
Chikiting Books of the Vibal Group. He earned his first Palanca Award in 2016 in the ‘Tula para
sa mga Bata’ category (Poetry Written for Children in the Filipino Division) for his poem
‘Tiniklop-tiklop na Bugtong.’ He was a fellow for the Palihang Rogelio Sicat in 2017, and
participated in the Cordillera Creative Writing Workshop, and the Angono Summer Writers’
Workshop in 2014.
Solano is a member of Mensa Philippines, a non-profit organization that provides an avenue for
intellectual exchange and support among its members with high IQs (intelligence quotient).