The first day of the "Kaangtanan: Celebrating Intersections across Western Visayas" Project Conference was filled with insightful discussions, inspiring sessions, and colorful cultural performances. The event was helt at Grandxing Imperial Hotel on Ocotber 23, 2024. The day began with a warm welcome to participants by Chancellor Camposano of UPV, followed by a keynote address from Senator Loren Legarda, who emphasized the importance of cultural mapping in preserving our national identity. The conference also included a dragon dance performance by Hua Siong College of Iloilo, highlighting the region's deep cultural heritage and its connection to the Chinese community.
Dr. Randy M. Madrid inspired attendees with his presentation on the evolution of textiles, particularly the significance of Piña, which is rooted in Aklan's Spanish Red Pineapple. He traced its history through Jean Mallat's 1840’s cultural mapping and its prominence in international expositions, advocating for innovation to preserve Piña's legacy in today's world. He emphasized the need for industry collaboration to combat counterfeiting and highlighted the importance of authenticity through ongoing dialogue with weavers and government agencies.
Ms. Anna India A. Dela Cruz Legaspi, an Akeanon artist and cultural worker, further enriched the discourse by sharing her experiences in preserving and promoting Piña weaving in her talk, "Aklan Habi on Piña Weaving." Her commitment to this traditional craft reflects the dedication of cultural workers in Aklan to safeguard their heritage. Together, these presentations emphasized the need to protect cultural traditions and engage future generations in the rich textile heritage of Western Visayas.
The plenary sessions that followed showcased the region’s rich weaving traditions. The first speaker, Errol S. Paquiao, presented "The Mathematics of Hablon: An Ethnography of the Ilonggo Weaving Culture." He was followed by Angelique O. Conturno, Jelyn A. Falconaga, Carl John G. Malones, and Joselito Trandio P. Mendoza with their study titled "Exploring the Science Behind the Artistry of Bamboo Weaving at Maasin, Iloilo, Philippines: Basis for the Development of Science Lesson Plans." Angelika Caguioa then presented "Traditional Craftsmanship Rooted in Nature: Nito Weaving in Nagpana," while Aiah Elaika E. Mindanao shared insights in "A Narrative Analysis of the Handloom Weaving Industry in the Provinces of Aklan, Antique, and Iloilo Through the Lens of Women Weavers."
The second presentation session included studies such as "Preserving Tradition: The Tangible Movable Cultural Heritage of the 'Agong' in the Third District of Iloilo," "Safeguarding Heritage: The Role of Lusong and Hal-o in the Cultural Legacy of Iloilo’s Third District," "Forging Heritage: The Significance of 'Binangon-Making' in the Third District of Iloilo," "Tul-tul Making as Context to Identify Contents for Culturally-Responsive Science Teaching to Promote Education for Sustainable Development," and "The 'White Gold' of Antique: Challenges and Benefits of Salt Farming in Antique.” After each session, presenters participated in an open forum, engaging with the audience and responding to their questions.
Following the forum, participants were entertained by the award-winning film "Tumandok," which narrates the story of a young Ati chieftain's daughter battling for her people's ancestral land. This thought-provoking film served as a poignant reminder of the significance of preserving indigenous cultures and traditions. The first day concluded with a dinner, marking a memorable experience that celebrated the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Western Visayas.
