Local Films Spotlight Western Visayas Culture, Heritage

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

Western Visayas traditions came alive on the big screen as the Cultural Mapping of Panay, Guimaras and Negros Occidental (CMPG) Project held its first film screening on May 24 at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Auditorium in Iloilo City.

The event, themed “Kasanag sang Kultura: Western Visayas sa Mata sang Kamera,” featured 11 short films showcasing the region’s diverse customs, indigenous practices and ways of life.

“Western Visayas has a rich cultural heritage that calls not only for celebration but also for protection and preservation,” said CMPG video documentarian Daniel de la Cruz, who also served as videographer and editor of the documentaries.

“One powerful way we can contribute to this effort is by producing video documentaries that serve as valuable educational tools, raise awareness among younger generations and inspire a deeper appreciation of our cultural identity,” he added.

The screening included five documentary shorts produced by the CMPG: Budbud, Pangasag kag Kabuhi, Sa Tunga sang Adlaw kag Alingasaw, Pagpamati sa Gapamanti and Pinya: Paghaboe it Uman.

These were developed from the project’s cultural mapping findings and focused on community rituals, daily life and agricultural practices.

They were complemented by six heritage-themed short films: Hasang by Daniel de la Cruz, Balhin by Gian Genoveza, Sinamay nga Pananublion by Anjo Salmorin, Ang Babayi sa Suba by Jonathan Jurilla, Mata kang Busay by Niño Maldecir and Cypher John Gayorgor, and the FAMAS award-winning Pagtaghoy sa Hangin by Kyle Erika Saycon.

In his opening message, UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano emphasized the power of audiovisual storytelling in preserving heritage.

“May is National Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate it than by presenting the video outputs of the CMPG Project,” he said.

“Cultural mapping is a vital tool for safeguarding our heritage. We cannot protect what we do not know,” he added.

“While written documentation is essential, video adds a powerful dimension—it transforms description into living, breathing stories. More than photographs, video captures the sights, sounds and spirit of heritage as practiced and experienced by communities today,” Camposano said.

The screening was part of a broader initiative led by Sen. Loren Legarda, principal author of the Cultural Mapping Law.

Other highlights included a weeklong photo exhibit at SM City Iloilo Northpoint from May 19 to 25.

Also present were CMPG Program Manager Martin Genodepa, Co-Overall Project Leader Anna Razel Ramirez and CMPG Director Julie Prescott.

The project was carried out in partnership with state universities and colleges, local government units and national agencies, with media support from Daily Guardian and Bombo Radyo Iloilo.