Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
The University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA) in partnership with the Philippine Studies Association Inc., successfully launched the inaugural Maáram Talks on October 17, 2025, at the Tanghalang Bonifacio, Ninoy Aquino Learning and Library Resource Center (NALLRC), PUP Sta. Mesa Campus. The event marked the first in a series dedicated to oral literature and cultural heritage, held in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples’ Month and PUP’s 121st Foundation Anniversary. Maáram Talks is described as a “TED Talks”-inspired platform for sharing “ideas worth spreading” on place-based education.
Representing Senator Loren Legarda, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development, Ms. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin conveyed the senator’s message of support and encouragement, underscoring the significance of the Maáram Talks as a platform for empowering educators in the fields of arts, culture, and literature.
Dr. Maria Jovita Zarate, Project Manager of Maáram, explained that Maáram means “Maalam” or “knowledgeable,” emphasizing its goal of supporting educators.
“Ang Maáram Talks ay ipinanganak mula sa aming hangarin na makalikha ng mga nilalamang makabuluhan at nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng mga guro na nagtuturo sa iba’t ibang larangan ng sining, kultura, panitikan, at maging sa heritage studies,” she said. (“Maáram Talks was born out of their desire to create meaningful and relevant content that addresses the needs of teachers handling various disciplines in arts, culture, literature, and heritage studies”.)
A highlight of the afternoon was the screening of Sa Ilog Halawod, a 25-minute episode from the Dayaw documentary series. The film explored the epic Hinilawod of the Panay Bukidnon, recorded by anthropologist F. Landa Jocano during the 1950s, running at least 35 hours, and traced the journey of these historic tapes to their new archival home following the epic’s 2024 inscription in the UNESCO Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Register.
Three compelling talks anchored the program, each shedding light on the depth of Visayan oral traditions and their vital connections to contemporary education.
Liby Limoso, Lecturer at West Visayas State University, opened the series with his presentation titled “Exploring the Intricate Genealogies of the Hinilawod.” By tracing the descendants of epic chanters, he explored the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and wisdom, drawing a striking parallel between the endurance of oral traditions and the persistence of political dynasties in modern governance. His talk highlighted how cultural legacies continue to shape identity, authority, and social continuity in today’s communities.
Following this, Asst. Prof. Marilou Morales from the University of Eastern Philippines delivered her presentation, “From Screen to Tongues: Siday Meets the New Media.” She demonstrated how siday—Samar’s vibrant poetic tradition—can thrive in the age of technology through social media and digital storytelling. Morales introduced a student-centered learning plan that integrates poetry performance and multimedia engagement, ensuring that local literary expressions remain relevant and accessible to the younger generation.
Concluding the series, Dr. Maria Jovita Zarate presented “Myth and Magic, Mimesis and Modernity: Close Reading of the Hinilawod.” Her discussion delved into the representation of female characters in the Visayan epic, highlighting lessons on leadership, resilience, and governance. Zarate also shared an innovative lesson plan that connects these ancient narratives with interviews of contemporary women community leaders, encouraging students to draw meaningful insights between mythic wisdom and modern empowerment.
The event closed with an engaging open forum, where educators and cultural advocates discussed practical strategies for integrating place-based curricula into classrooms. The session was also livestreamed on Facebook, extending its reach beyond the physical venue.
The Maáram Talks series contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive, experiential, and culturally rooted pedagogy; supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through strengthened local partnerships and cultural heritage preservation; and aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land) by cultivating ecological consciousness grounded in indigenous wisdom. Through such initiatives, PUP and UCCA reaffirm their commitment to education that honors the past while building a sustainable and culturally vibrant future. For more updates and to watch the full recorded event, follow the official Facebook page “Maaram: Pagtanghal sa Katutubong Kaalaman” and the PUP University Center for Culture and the Arts.
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