In a historic milestone in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Panay and Guimaras, Capiz State University (CAPSU), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), hosted PAGBUKLAD (Promoting Authorship, Gathering Booklovers, Unveiling Knowledge, Literature, Art, and Dreams), where it officially launched and turned over the Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras (CMPG) Project book and two other cultural publications, Sugilanon: Capiz Folklore and Mga Duog sa Capiz.

Funded by the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the project was implemented in collaboration with the local government units (LGUs) of Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, and Negros Occidental; the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI; the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI; the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI; the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VI; and provincial tourism and cultural offices.

The ceremonial book launching was held on May 26 at the Board Room of the Central Administration Building, CAPSU Roxas City Main Campus. The event gathered university officials, local government leaders and representatives, municipal and city tourism officers, educators, librarians, and cultural heritage advocates.

Delivering his opening remarks, Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (RDE), warmly welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of cultural preservation through research and close engagement with local communities.

“Today’s book launch and turnover of cultural mapping inventories stand as tangible evidence of this enduring commitment. This cultural mapping project is far more than an academic exercise—it is a profound act of preservation that safeguards the identity, memory, and future of our province,” Dr. Biclar said.

Meanwhile, CAPSU President Dr. Efren L. Linan highlighted the university’s commitment to safeguarding the identity and cultural treasures of Capiz through academic and extension initiatives.

“These publications remind us that culture is not merely a memory of the past; it is a guide for the future,” Dr. Linan said. “Every page becomes an act of preservation, and every documented tradition becomes proof that the identity of a Capizeño remains alive and meaningful,” he added.

Dr. Biclar also delivered his privilege speech as the principal author of the books, where he further discussed the contents of the publications and acknowledged the collective efforts of the individuals behind the success of the project. This was followed by the formal unveiling and turnover of the books to the attendees.

Messages were likewise delivered by Program Manager Prof. Martin Genodepa and Program Leader Ms. Ana Razel Ramirez from UPV, who emphasized the significance of Republic Act No. 11961, also known as the Cultural Mapping Act of 2023, and shared the extensive cultural mapping and documentation efforts undertaken to complete the project.

Messages of support were also conveyed by key government officials and representatives of partner agencies, namely: Senator Loren Regina B. Legarda, represented by Ms. Neshil Garvilles; Capiz Governor Hon. Fredenil H. Castro, represented by Atty. Luvim D. Amores, Provincial Public Information Officer (PIO) and concurrent Human Resource Management Officer (HRMO); First District Representative Hon. Ivan Howard A. Guintu, represented by Mr. Sandro S. Borce, Public Relations Officer; Second District Representative Hon. Jane T. Castro, represented by Atty. Amores; Mr. Alphonsus D. Tesoro, Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer (PTCAO); Dr. Roel F. Bermejo, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Capiz Division, represented by Dr. Edwin Jason Dueñas; and Dr. Adonis A. Mosquera, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Roxas City Division, represented by Dr. Jose Richard Lachica.

Likewise, Roxas City Councilor Hon. Gia T. Potato, librarians across the CAPSU System, and provincial and municipal tourism officers were also present during the event and secured copies of the books.

The program formally concluded with a closing message from Prof. French A. Dampog, University Director of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO), while Mr. Jerry F. Fusin, RDE staff, served as the master of ceremonies. | via Marco Jeslie B. Tuazon, CAPSU-PIO

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