The book “Pagdahû ka Surundon: A Reference Book on Panay-Guimaras Traditional Knowledge Systems” was launched at the Performing Arts Hall, Main Building, of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Iloilo City campus on May 3.
The 224-page book delves into the cultural heritage of the islands of Panay and Guimaras, highlighting the traditional knowledge systems (TKS) that have been passed down through generations, encompassing practices such as agriculture, fisheries, crafts, traditional medicine, and rituals. The book also contains a glossary of on Panaynon languages.
The book was edited by Ms. Anna Razel Limoso-Ramirez, Publications Officer at the Information and Publications Office of UP Visayas, and published by the Kasingkasing Press.
In her message, Ramirez said that in 2016, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, initiated the documentation of the Panay and Guimaras TKS with the creation of the coffee table book “From the Seas to the Mountains: Panay Guimaras Traditional Knowledge Systems,” edited by Prof. Martin Genodepa.
While the said book generated interest among researchers and scholars, the material was too heavy for research and reference purposes. Thus, the idea of converting the piece into a reference book on Panay and Guimaras TKS came about, Ramirez said. She thanked the previous and current administrations of UP Visayas for giving the researchers an enabling environment, thus, generating this kind of accomplishments for the university.
The writers and contributors of the Pagdahû ka Surundon book are Dr. John Barrios, Dr. Randy Madrid, Prof. Genodepa, Prof. Lucia Lastimosa, Prof. Jose Taton, Jr., Prof. Joyce Colon, Mr. Sashah Dioso, Mr. Ramon Ramirez, Dr. Alicia Magos, and Ms. Michelle Villavert.
The research component of the book is a collaboration between various state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Western Visayas, namely Aklan State University, Capiz State University, Guimaras State University, University of Antique, and West Visayas State University.
The book reviewers are Dr. Felipe De Leon, former National Commission for the Culture and the Arts Chair; Dr. Mina Roces, Historian and author from University of New South Wales, and Dr. Felicidad Prudente, professor and musicologist.
Meanwhile, Sen Legarda, in her video message, said she hopes that the book will “serve as a guiding light for further exploration and understanding further traditional knowledge systems.”
“We must continue to champion initiatives that empower communities to preserve and revitalize their cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for generations to come,” the Senator added.
Before the program ended, copies of the book were turned over to the project partners – UP Visayas and its offices, partners SUCs, the Kasingkasing Press, the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, the Panay-Bukidnon Indigenous People’s community and LGU partners.
