The University of the Philippines-Visayas became the stage for an event that transcended its campus confines — a jubilant celebration of cultural heritage marked by the unveiling of the "Pagdahu ka Surundon" book.
This May 3 gathering represented a pivotal juncture in the recognition and preservation of Panay and Guimaras' rich traditions, rooted in landscapes teeming with diversity and cultural profundity.
For Panaynons and Guimarasnons alike, "Pagdahu ka Surundon" holds profound resonance — an ethos of embracing and honoring one's heritage, irrespective of its form.
This inheritance isn't a mere relic of yesteryears; it's intricately interwoven into the very fabric of their being, revered and passed down through the annals of time.
Ancestral Hearths
Panay and Guimaras aren't just idyllic backdrops; they serve as the ancestral hearths of indigenous communities and local dwellers. Within these terrains lie age-old customs and knowledge systems, nurturing livelihoods and molding identities through generations.
At the core of these customs lie the Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS), encompassing a spectrum of practices spanning agriculture, arts, and medicine.
These are the bedrock of cultural resilience and sustainable development, offering invaluable insights for navigating the complexities of modernity.
The "Pagdahu ka Surundon" book stands as a testament to the dedicated efforts in documenting and safeguarding these invaluable traditions.
Championed by Sen. Loren Legarda and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2016, this comprehensive reference serves as a guiding light on Panay and Guimaras TKS.
This literary marvel is a product of collaborative research among scholars from UP Visayas, West Visayas State University, Capiz State University, Aklan State University, the University of Antique, and Guimaras State College. It boasts contributions from esteemed writers and contributors such as Sashah B. Dioso, Michelle L. Villavert, Martin G. Genodepa, Lucia L. Lastimoza, Joyce Christine D. Colon, Ramon Ramirez, Randy Madrid, Jose R. Taton Jr., John B. Barrios, PhD, Alicia P. Magos, PhD, and Editor Ana Razel Limoso-Ramirez. Gratitude is extended to UP Visayas officials, led by Chancellor Camposano and former Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, for their unwavering support. Special recognition goes to the book reviewers: Dr. Felipe De Leon, former NCCA Chair; Dr. Mina Roces from the University of New South Wales, and Dr. Felicidad Prudente, Musicologist.
Legacy of Panay
As the "Pagdahu ka Surundon" book unfurls its pages, it heralds a fresh chapter in the preservation of Panay and Guimaras' cultural legacy. Beyond offering a window into the past, its contents serve as a guiding compass for future generations, urging them to treasure their heritage amidst the currents of change.
The launch of "Pagdahu ka Surundon" at UP Visayas isn't just a ceremony; it's a jubilant affirmation of identity, resilience, and solidarity.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to honor tradition while embracing the winds of progress, ensuring that the legacy of Panay and Guimaras remains luminous for generations to come.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #PagdahukaSurundon #UPVisayas