‘Philippine regional literatures make a vast drapery woven from differently distinct cultural threads”
WE HAVE often been part of discussions on whether there is a need to compile and translate Philippine regional literatures to forge a true national belles-lettres and promote cultural understanding across diverse ethnolinguistic groups.
We are persuaded to agree, since compiling these literatures preserve vanishing heritage, and they share unique Filipino stories with the world, overcoming language barriers that fragment the nation’s literary landscape.
The Philippines has over 180 languages, many with their own vibrant literary traditions, and the country’s imaginative works include ancient oral traditions (epics, myths, folktales) and modern written works (novels, essays, poetry).
We know there is no fixed number on how many regional creative writings there are in this multi-lingual country of 117 million, but many agree Philippine regional literatures are rich and diverse, encompassing major traditions in languages.
They include, but are not limited to, Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and many others, each with unique historical figures, epics, poetry, and modern works reflecting distinct local cultures, traditions, and experiences across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Distinct cultural threads
In essence, Philippine regional literatures make a vast drapery woven from differently distinct cultural threads, making it more about diversity and richness which scholars strongly suggest should be reserved.
Why the necessity to compile and translate these regional literatures?
Scholars argue the process makes works accessible to all Filipinos (not just those who know the original vernacular) and fosters national unity and a richer understanding of the country’s complex identity.
It prevents fragmentation by connecting different Filipino communities through shared stories, revealing commonalities beneath linguistic differences, which is antipodal, if diametrically opposed, to cup just one language at the expense of regional languages which are inherently rich in all the letters of the alphabet.
Many Filipinos cannot read regional works in their original form, so translation into Filipino (this should not be mistaken as Tagalog) and English is essential for wider national readership.
Linguists and scholars say compiling and translating the same points to cultural preservation, and safeguards valuable literary traditions, histories, values, and worldviews of various ethnic groups that might otherwise be lost.
We add our endorsement that to have a richer national literature, there must be a thorough study and collection of these regional works, which offer diverse perspectives beyond the dominant literary centers.
Logically, translating these regional literatures into English allows Philippine literature to reach international audiences, showcasing the depth of Filipino culture on the world stage.
Perhaps easier said than done, but in this digital age, we can use modern platforms like social media, festivals, and online communities to raise awareness and encourage reading.
Literary wealth in other regions
Considering the undeniable literary affluence in the margined regions, and the urgent need to compile and translate the same for the appreciation of other Filipinos, the government, which has the logistics, should help private and individual agencies in gathering such materials that point to the culture of this race.
This does not suggest that nothing has been done and is being done. For the government has done much in fact in compiling such cultural stones in the various regions.
What we are suggesting is those efforts should be underlined by more vigorous and determined efforts, not only for one or two particular regions but for all.
Compiling these cultural stones in their various genres would be a good step in the right direction, a step that would include not just writing down the oral tradition but keeping the tradition on tape and supporting visuals.
Search for scholars, good translators
The search for good translators, scholars and teachers in this discipline must not be ignored in this worthy endeavor to catch for posterity a rich culture that should never be blown away before much too long.
The government, through the Dept. of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, should also look at the curriculum once more and put urgent revisions in the literature and culture discipline.
We have faith in the direction the government has taken to gather into one mighty compendium a fertile and luxuriant culture in the different regions for the recognition and appreciation of every region which breathes the Filipino culture.
Such efforts cannot be completed overnight.
But, like a melody that must be unbroken and eventually consummated, the initial bars have been played. And played well.
Everyone who has a stake in the rich cultural tradition of this multi-ethnic society must participate in gathering and translating for younger generations a fruitful legacy which helps identify the Filipino in the community of nations.
That legacy protects the Filipino’s roots which embrace his strength. His strength carries him through the years and into the future.
