ISAT U officially launched its Heritage Month celebration on Tuesday, May 14, 2026, with a program dedicated to Panay Bukidnon traditions. Spearheaded by the Cultural Heritage Education and Research Center (CHERC), the event opened with welcome remarks from CIT Dean Dr. Jeanneth F. Darroca and a rationale presented by CHERC Director Mr. Eric de la Vega. This was followed by a keynote lecture from Ms. Anna Razel L. Ramirez of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and Project Coordinator of Suguidanon Epics of Panay, who discussed the Panay Bukidnon culture and the vital documentation of the Suguidanon epics. The session was enriched by the presence of Dr. Alicia P. Magos, Professor Emeritus of UPV and the pioneer researcher of the Suguidanon, who shared invaluable insights into her groundbreaking field studies.
During the program, attendees from various colleges were treated to moving chanting excerpts from the epics Tikum Kadlum and Amburukay, performed by Teresita Caballero, daughter of the legendary Lola Susa. Following an open forum, students visited the CHERC Museum to interact with exhibits honoring Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Awardees. A focal point of the gallery is Federico “Tay Pedring” Caballero, the master chanter and GAMABA Awardee, instrumental in the complete documentation of the Suguidanon epics. Through these displays, students were able to explore the rich narratives and linguistic depth of these indigenous masterpieces firsthand.
The celebration is set to continue this coming Tuesday, May 19, starting at 8:00 AM at the GAD Grounds, where the university invites the public to witness heritage come alive. The upcoming program will feature award-winning photographer Mr. Marc Leo Layson, who will discuss cultural heritage documentation. The event will also offer immersive live demonstrations of Panubok embroidery and the Binanog dance, performed by members of the Panay Bukidnon community. This remains a premier opportunity for the university community to engage directly with the living traditions of Panay and the legacies preserved by scholars and the Panay Bukidnon.
