The Cultural Mapping of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental Project (CMPG) kicked off its first regional conference with insightful discussions and vibrant cultural showcases at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel last October 23-25, 2024.
Being characterized by innumerable nodes of interactions, sharing, and interconnections, the region of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental can be encapsulated in the bisayan term kaangtanan. Thus, the theme for the first regional conference of CMPG: “Kaangtanan: Celebrating Intersections across Western Visayas.”
Presentations delving into various nodes of interactions from CMPG members, as well as non-affiliated researchers and scholars were the main highlight of the conference.
During the opening program, the University of the Philippines Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano delivered a welcome address. It was then followed by a keynote message from Senator Loren Legarda, who stressed the role of cultural mapping in safeguarding the country’s heritage.
"Let us be heritage warriors who share insights, collaborate across sectors, and explore innovative ways to protect and pass on our cultural treasures to future generations," Legarda emphasizes.
Hua Siong College of Iloilo took the spotlight with a dragon dance performance, symbolizing the Chinese cultural influence in Western Visayas. The sessions that followed focused on the region’s textile traditions, with Dr. Randy M. Madrid exploring the historical and cultural importance of Piña weaving, while Ms. Anna India A. Dela Cruz Legaspi shared her ongoing initiatives to preserve Aklan’s rich weaving heritage.
In the afternoon session, presenters showcased their studies on traditional craftsmanship and local industries, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. Presenters for the first day of the conference are Errol S. Paquiao, Angelique O. Conturno, Jelyn A. Falconaga, Carl John G. Malones, Joselito Trandio P. Mendoza, Angelika Caguioa, Aiah Elaika E. Mindanao, Francis Ann Yap, Clyde C. Larroder, Mary Ann M. De la Vega, Kristine Nicole G. Maprangala, Gellie Jill P. De la Cruz, Michael G. Garlan, and Josephine T. Firmase.
The day concluded with the screening of the film Tumandok, followed by a dinner celebrating the cultural diversity of Western Visayas.
Day 2 of the Kaangtanan Conference highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Western Visayas, with plenary sessions focusing on traditional knowledge systems, indigenous practices, environmental conservation, and cultural landscapes of the region led by the third keynote speaker Dr. Joefe B. Santarita’s presentation on Batel Building.
Presentations covered the preservation of traditional livelihoods like farming and fishing, as well as rituals, folklore, and the significance of local customs. Speakers also examined evolving cultural landscapes, showing the intersections of history, culture, and identity across Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. Presenters for the second day of the conference are Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Stephanie S. Pimentel, Louis Placido F. Lachica, Rector John A. Latoza, Efren L. Linan, Roniel C. Cabading, Ronald A. Almanon, Ann Sherly Gurrobat, Rebecca Tandug, Ronilo G. Berondo, Jan Andrew T. Magluyan, Emmanuel Lerona, Christian Jeo N. Talaguit, Phillippe Angelo Hinosa, Audrey Eurielle G. Dayata, Maria Marchel de Gracia, Mary Ann M. De La Vega, Henry John M. Prio, Sashah B. Dioso, Jefferson D. Sillario, John Paul Imbang, Mark Joseph T. Reyes, Ave Maila Moscoso, Joselito Trandio P. Mendoza, Dr. Rey G. Tantiado, Marjorie A. Maido, Philip T. Mijares Jr., Cheryl M. Luis, Ixxy G. Precioso, Jogie Marie C. Lenaugo, Romnick T. Taladro, Ar. Trixia Mae S. Regalado, Shayne Danica F. Agustin, Prof. Josephine R. Pajo, Kyle Philip Ravena, Jose R. Taton, Jr., Prof. Genevieve Palmares, and Ruffa Palmares.
Day 3 of the Kaangtanan Conference began with a recap of the previous day's sessions and a celebration of the Hinilawod Inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Dr. Felipe de Leon, former Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and professor of UP Diliman, introduced by Ms. Anna Razel Ramirez, the overall project leader of the CMPG project, presented his talk titled "Celebrating the Mythopoeic Gifts of West Visayan Culture," which emphasized the region's cultural roots and the significance of myth and tradition in shaping its identity.
Following Dr. de Leon's talk, researchers and experts presented their various studies focused on empowering cultural heritage for inclusivity and sustainability. Presenters of the third-day Kaangtanan conference are Herman M. Lagon, Noel Galon de Leon, Rene C. Trance, and Bea P. Orquia.
This was afterward succeeded by the soft launching of the CMPG website, led by Mr. Aodh Joash Austin Alegoro.
The website serves as an online registry of the mapped cultural heritage assets within Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. It also features an interactive cultural map, a news section, an about us section, and a gallery of documentary films and photographs produced by the CMPG Documentary Film Production Team. Accompanying the launch is the premiere of a video documentary produced by the focal person for CMPG Video Documentary, Mr. Daniel De La Cruz.
Prof. Martin Genodepa, CMPG Program Manager, delivered the closing remarks, thanking all the people and stakeholders who made the conference possible.
“We are mapping not only to comply with the law; we are mapping to safeguard, protect, and promote our local heritage. The only way we can strengthen ourselves as people [is if] we know ourselves and our local culture,” stated Genodepa.
The 3-day conference concluded with cultural performances by the Tubungan IP Sayaw Group and the ICNHS Himig Kwerdas Rondalla while having lunch, and the singing of "UP Naming Mahal.”
The CMPG Project is a priority project of Senator Loren B. Legarda, in compliance with the Cultural Mapping Law.
