UPV brings Ilonggo heritage to life through dance

ILOILO CITY — The University of the Philippines Visayas is strengthening efforts to preserve and promote Ilonggo cultural heritage through dance research, performance, and student participation.

The initiative was highlighted by the presentation of Sadsad Ilonggo: Devotion in Motion during the 3rd Saot Ilonggo Workshop and Validation of Dance Research on July 5, 2026, at Jubilee Hall in Iloilo City.

Assistant Professor Teresita P. Nolledo and Crisanto S. Sorsano Jr. conducted the dance research, while Assistant Professor Jose Taton Jr. prepared the musical arrangement.

UPV’s cultural preservation efforts also extended to public performance through Panublion: UP Visayas Cultural Dance Troupe.

The troupe represented UP Visayas during the launch of the 3rd Saot Ilonggo on July 31, 2026, at SM City Iloilo.

University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo students Ayanna P. Fuerte, Jonas Angelo Montaño, Wenz Jan Lacao, and Josh Lawrence Animas performed Paseo de Iloilo during the event.

Their performance showcased the elegance and vibrancy of traditional Ilonggo dance as part of the university’s broader effort to keep local cultural practices visible to younger generations.

Selected students from UP High School in Iloilo and UPV are also scheduled to perform Sadsad Ilonggo during the 3rd Saot Ilonggo: Iloilo City Dance Research Competition on Aug. 21, 2026.

The competition will be held at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center, with the Iloilo City government saying the event will serve as the culmination of this year’s Saot Ilonggo activities.

The program underscores UPV’s continuing role in documenting, interpreting, and presenting regional traditions through academic research and the performing arts.

The effort also gives students opportunities to engage directly with Iloilo’s cultural heritage while helping transmit local dance traditions to future generations.

Written by Teresita P. Nolledo and Crisanto S. Sorsano Jr. of the UPV College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Physical Education, and Jose Taton Jr. of Professional Education.