CIAS promotes Ilokano heritage thru lecture series

By Niña Christelle M. Sumintac
Correspondent

 

In celebration of the National Heritage Month, the MMSU Center of Iloko and Amianan Studies (CIAS) conducted an online public lecture series last May 15 and 22, and June 5.

 

Held via Zoom and live streamed on Facebook, the series aimed to promote Ilokano heritage and to give space to Ilokano language-mediated discourse in the university’s activities. 

 

First, Dr. Aurelio S. Agcaoili, a professor at the University of Hawaii-Manoa and visiting professor of MMSU Graduate School, delivered a lecture on Panagragpat iti Nangato nga Ilokano: Istretegia ken Praktis (The Pursuit of High Ilokano: Strategy and Practice) last May 15. 

 

Agcaoili’s lecture revolved around the call to integrate the Ilokano language in the academe, public services, research, publications, and relevant heritage conservation activities. 

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Melver Ritz Gomez, instructor of MMSU College of Arts and Sciences and an award-winning film maker, discussed the Akem ti Pelikula iti Panangsalimetmet kadagiti Tawid ti Puli (The Role of Film in the Preservation of Ilokano Heritage) last May 22. He tackled the role of film in documenting and preserving the Ilokano heritage. 

 

Some of the films of Gomez are Dagiti Tallo a Virgen and Iyallatiw which both won in the Kolkata Online International Film Festival in 2020 and International Film Festival Manhattan Virtual Events in 2021, respectively. 

 

Moreover, two language and culture enthusiasts talked about oral traditions of Ilokanos and Pangasinense last June 2. 

 

Ms. Kimberly S. Miguel, a graduate of Master of Arts in Ilokano Studies and MMSU’s information officer, shared how riddles reflect the unique Ilokano culture and philosophy with her topic, Sanut, Laing, ken Adal manipud kadagiti Burburtia (Wisdom, Knowledge, and Lessons from Ilokano Riddles). 

 

On the other hand, Mr. Melchor E. Orpilla, a language advocate from Pangasinan State University, explained the cultural and historical importance of Pangasinan folk songs through his lecture on Gali ta Paraw lay Unlayag: Kultural ken Historikal nga Importansia ti Kadaanan a Pangasinan a Kansion.  

 

Mr. Leonardo D. Tejano, CIAS chief and lead organizer, said the activity was MMSU’s way of taking part in the National Commission on Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) advocacy to conserve and promote the Philippine cultural heritage and Filipino identity in times of crisis. 

 

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 439, the National Heritage Month celebration aims “to create among the Filipino people a consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of the nation’s cultural history.” – with Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. (StratCom)

Gallery