by Catherine Teves/PNA
MANILA — A new book by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario aims to help reclaim national memory vital to shaping the country’s national identity.
The book, “Bakit Kailangan Natin si Pedro Bucaneg?”, presents several essays on Philippine intangible cultural heritage (ICH).
“In reclaiming national memory, it is necessary to raise public awareness about and promote knowledge of ICH and its importance,” said Roy Rene Cagalingan, a senior language researcher of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), which Almario heads.
Language, folk literature and traditions passed on from generation to generation are part of ICH, he said.
The book will be launched at the Vargas Museum of the University of the Philippines Diliman at 3:30 p.m. on March 16.
Among the country’s ICH gems is the epic “Biag ni Lam-ang” of Filipino poet Pedro Bucaneg. Born blind in 1592, Bucaneg is known as the Father of Ilocano literature. He died in 1630.
Cagalingan said both public and private sectors continue to undertake efforts to help protect and preserve the country’s cultural heritage as protection and preservation efforts mainly focus on tangible cultural heritage.
“Many aspects of our ICH remain unknown to the public,” he said, adding that the book would promote Philippine ICH to help reclaim national memory.
Schools nationwide can contribute towards reclaiming national memory by using the book as supplementary reading material for students, he added.
