KAANGTANAN CONFERENCE: Cultural Mapping Conference Showcases Visayas Heritage

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The Cultural Mapping of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental Project (CMPG) launched its first regional conference with vibrant cultural showcases and insightful discussions at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel from Oct. 23-25, 2024.

Characterized by interconnected traditions and shared heritage, the region of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental embodies the Visayan term kaangtanan, inspiring the conference theme: “Kaangtanan: Celebrating Intersections across Western Visayas.”

CMPG members and independent researchers presented various studies on cultural intersections, marking a key highlight of the conference.

University of the Philippines Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano opened the event with a welcome address, followed by a keynote from Senator Loren Legarda, who underscored cultural mapping’s role in preserving the nation’s heritage.

“Let us be heritage warriors who share insights, collaborate across sectors, and explore innovative ways to protect and pass on our cultural treasures to future generations,” Legarda said.

Hua Siong College of Iloilo captivated attendees with a dragon dance, symbolizing Chinese cultural influence in Western Visayas. Subsequent sessions highlighted regional textile traditions, including Dr. Randy M. Madrid’s talk on the history of piña weaving and Ms. Anna India A. Dela Cruz Legaspi’s initiatives to preserve Aklan’s weaving heritage.

Afternoon sessions spotlighted traditional craftsmanship and local industries, celebrating the region’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. Presenters on the first day included Errol S. Paquiao, Angelique O. Conturno, Jelyn A. Falconaga, Carl John G. Malones, Joselito Trandio P. Mendoza, Angelika Caguioa, Aiah Elaika E. Mindanao, Francis Ann Yap, Clyde C. Larroder, Mary Ann M. De la Vega, Kristine Nicole G. Maprangala, Gellie Jill P. De la Cruz, Michael G. Garlan, and Josephine T. Firmase.

The day concluded with a screening of the film Tumandok, followed by a dinner celebrating Western Visayan cultural diversity.

On Day 2, plenary sessions highlighted traditional knowledge systems, indigenous practices, environmental conservation, and cultural landscapes, led by keynote speaker Dr. Joefe B. Santarita on Batel building.

Presentations explored the preservation of traditional livelihoods, rituals, folklore, and local customs, as well as the evolving cultural landscapes across Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. Presenters included Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Stephanie S. Pimentel, Louis Placido F. Lachica, Rector John A. Latoza, Efren L. Linan, Roniel C. Cabading, Ronald A. Almanon, Ann Sherly Gurrobat, Rebecca Tandug, Ronilo G. Berondo, Jan Andrew T. Magluyan, Emmanuel Lerona, Christian Jeo N. Talaguit, Phillippe Angelo Hinosa, Audrey Eurielle G. Dayata, Maria Marchel de Gracia, Mary Ann M. De La Vega, Henry John M. Prio, Sashah B. Dioso, Jefferson D. Sillario, John Paul Imbang, Mark Joseph T. Reyes, Ave Maila Moscoso, Joselito Trandio P. Mendoza, Dr. Rey G. Tantiado, Marjorie A. Maido, Philip T. Mijares Jr., Cheryl M. Luis, Ixxy G. Precioso, Jogie Marie C. Lenaugo, Romnick T. Taladro, Ar. Trixia Mae S. Regalado, Shayne Danica F. Agustin, Prof. Josephine R. Pajo, Kyle Philip Ravena, Jose R. Taton Jr., Prof. Genevieve Palmares, and Ruffa Palmares.

Day 3 began with a recap of previous sessions and a celebration of the Hinilawod Inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Dr. Felipe de Leon, former chair of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and professor at UP Diliman, introduced by Ms. Anna Razel Ramirez, the CMPG project’s overall leader, delivered a talk titled “Celebrating the Mythopoeic Gifts of West Visayan Culture,” emphasizing the region’s cultural roots and the role of myth and tradition in shaping its identity.

Following Dr. de Leon’s presentation, researchers and experts shared studies on empowering cultural heritage for inclusivity and sustainability. Presenters included Herman M. Lagon, Noel Galon de Leon, Rene C. Trance, and Bea P. Orquia.

The event concluded with the soft launch of the CMPG website, led by Mr. Aodh Joash Austin Alegoro, featuring an online registry of cultural assets, an interactive cultural map, news, and a gallery of films and photographs by the CMPG Documentary Film Production Team. The launch included the premiere of a video documentary produced by Mr. Daniel De La Cruz, the CMPG Video Documentary focal person.

Prof. Martin Genodepa, CMPG Program Manager, closed the conference with a message of gratitude.

“We are mapping not only to comply with the law; we are mapping to safeguard, protect, and promote our local heritage. The only way we can strengthen ourselves as people is if we know ourselves and our local culture,” Genodepa said.

The three-day conference concluded with cultural performances by the Tubungan IP Sayaw Group and the ICNHS Himig Kwerdas Rondalla during lunch, followed by the singing of “UP Naming Mahal.”

The CMPG Project, a priority initiative of Senator Loren Legarda, aligns with the Cultural Mapping Law. (Written by Berks Joseph Tan, Lou Marcial Cuesta, and Ma. Therese M. Taghap / Photos by Marc Leo H. Layson)