Saluting Taga-West

By Noel Galon de Leon

On July 28, 2026, I was honored to be invited by the Federated Student Council of West Visayas State University to serve as a judge for their Binalaybay and Sugilanon Hiligaynon competitions during University Week. Having not been to WVSU in many years, I approached the campus with both excitement and curiosity.

As I entered Quezon Hall, I was immediately impressed by the renovations. The building now exuded modernity and comfort, with well-finished rooms and new tiles. Walking through the hallways, I could feel the positive energy of the campus, and I wondered whether one day I might be fortunate enough to teach in such a dynamic environment.

The first competition I judged was the Binalaybay, a category showcasing the students’ mastery of poetry. The performances were exceptional; each participant displayed remarkable skill, clarity, and emotion. Their ability to convey deep meaning through Hiligaynon verse was evident from the very first presentation.

Binalaybay, in Hiligaynon culture, refers to poetic compositions. It is a form of literature that combines rhythm, language, and emotion to communicate ideas, experiences, and values. Unlike English free verse, Binalaybay often uses traditional meters and rhyme, reflecting the rich oral traditions of the region.

Many of the contestants had been trained from a young age, especially those who came from public schools. Their teachers had nurtured their talent in language and performance early on, which allowed them to approach the competition with confidence and poise.

What made the Binalaybay performances particularly remarkable was the blend of tradition and modernity. Some students adhered strictly to classical forms, while others incorporated contemporary social themes, demonstrating that Hiligaynon poetry is both timeless and adaptable.

Following the poetry category, I judged the Sugilanon competition, which focuses on storytelling. Like Binalaybay, the performances were impressive. Contestants not only crafted compelling narratives but also performed them with clarity, confidence, and emotion.

Sugilanon can be described as short stories or narrative accounts in Hiligaynon. These stories often convey moral lessons, cultural values, or social commentary, and they have historically been shared orally as a means of teaching and entertaining.

It is important to distinguish between Sugilanon and Suguidanon. While Sugilanon refers to short stories, Suguidanon refers to epic narratives, often recounting heroic deeds, mythological events, or the origins of communities. These epics serve as historical and cultural records, preserving the collective memory of the Hiligaynon people.

Suguidanon epics can be traced back to Iloilo and Negros, where they were collected and documented by local scholars and cultural custodians. The distinction is clear: Sugilanon is concise, focused, and personal, whereas Suguidanon is long, elaborate, and communal.

Judging these competitions highlighted the educational value of poetry and storytelling. Students learn to organize their thoughts, express ideas creatively, and engage audiences effectively, skills that extend beyond literature and into public speaking, critical thinking, and communication.

Competitions like Binalaybay and Sugilanon also serve to strengthen local language proficiency. In a society dominated by English and Filipino, promoting Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a empowers students to take pride in their linguistic heritage.

These events also encourage students to explore cultural identity. By writing and performing in their native language, they connect with historical narratives, folk traditions, and moral lessons embedded in their community’s heritage.

Oral traditions, such as those showcased in these contests, are vital for preserving intangible cultural heritage. They ensure that knowledge, values, and communal memories are transmitted across generations in engaging and meaningful ways.

What impressed me most was the students’ creativity and adaptability. While respecting traditional forms, many participants incorporated contemporary issues like social justice, environmental concerns, and personal identity, demonstrating the relevance of Hiligaynon literature today.

Sugilanon stories, in particular, showed a skillful balance of historical awareness and imaginative storytelling. The contestants employed humor, suspense, and moral reflection to make their narratives compelling and educational.

Beyond skill, these competitions foster a sense of community. Students, teachers, and audiences come together to celebrate language, literature, and culture, creating a shared experience that strengthens social bonds.

The excellence displayed by the participants is also a testament to the dedication of teachers. Many had been nurtured by educators who instilled a love for Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a, ensuring that students develop both technical skill and cultural appreciation.

Universities like WVSU play a critical role in preserving regional identity. By hosting events in local languages, they resist cultural homogenization and demonstrate that regional languages have intrinsic value in education and society.

Saluting the “Taga-West” spirit, I recognize the university’s commitment to nurturing students who are both academically capable and culturally grounded. They honor their linguistic heritage while equipping students for broader societal engagement.

These competitions also serve as inspiration for other schools. If similar programs were implemented nationwide, they could spark a revival of local literature and oral traditions, encouraging youth to embrace their regional identities.

Being a guest judge was both humbling and inspiring. Witnessing the dedication, skill, and creativity of the students reminded me that Hiligaynon literature is alive and thriving, and that young people are capable custodians of this heritage.

Leaving Quezon Hall, I felt deep respect for the students and faculty of WVSU. Their performances were not simply exercises in competition but expressions of pride, identity, and cultural continuity, reflecting the enduring power of language and literature.

To the organizers, teachers, and students of West Visayas State University, I offer my heartfelt salute. In championing Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a, you preserve not only the words of your language but the history, values, and spirit of Iloilo itself. Your dedication ensures that our local culture continues to thrive for generations to come.