[citation needed] The first meeting of UMPIL organizers was held at the Social Security System Building in Quezon City in 1974.
In 1987, UMPIL expanded its representation by including into the Board of Directors representatives from recognized writers’ organizations in languages other than English and Filipino.
In order to protect the rights and interests of Filipino writers, the organization also held multi-sectoral discussions regarding copyright with editors and publishers in the Philippines.
[citation needed] Alfredo Navarro-Salanga became the secretary-general of the organization after the 1984 election of the Board of Directors.
[3] The Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas is a lifetime achievement award for writers in various Philippine literatures.