USA IPCS: Bringing the Panayana culture back to life
University of San Agustin's (USA) University Coordinating Center for Research and Publications (UCCRP) launched the Institute for Panayana and Cross-Cultural Studies (IPCS) last July 15, 2006 at the USA President's Conference Room.
IPCS aims to accumulate, expand and manage the University's Panayana collection that are to be used by students and researchers either inside or outside the University. It targets to conduct studies on Panay history and culture, including subcultures like Ilonggo-Chinese therein, as well as resemblances of these in other cultures. Likewise, IPCS wishes to nurture interest and promote Panayana studies through lectures, workshops, conferences, exhibits and publications. Also, IPCS will take on a leading role in fostering appreciation for, and preservation of Panayana culture and on the recognition of the contributions of Panayanons to the enrichment of Philippine culture and arts. Above all else, IPCS is expected to promote inter-cultural understanding among the peoples of Panay and its neighboring regions.
UCRP Director Jigger Latosa hands out a
copy of Monografias de los Pueblos de
la Isla de Pan-ay to Jose G. Espino, Jr.
IPCS will serve as a source of knowledge on the history, culture and subcultures in Panay Island and other neighboring regions. IPCS will be operating structurally with the UCRP.
As part of its preliminary activities, the USA Publishing House launched the two seminal works on Panay history and culture: The Monografias de los Pueblos de la Isla de Panay (Monographs of the Towns of Panay), written by Fr. Juan Fernandez O.S.A and translated into English by Jose G. Espinosa, Jr with a Foreword by Manila-based Agustinian Historian Fr. Policarpio Hernandez O.S.A; and the Hiligaynon Mythological Stories and Folktales: Analysis and Translation by USA Planning and Development Director Dr. Amorita Rabuco.
Dr. Amorita C. Rabuco
The said event was well-attended by representatives from different academic institution partners including the Colegio San Agustin for Panay-Negrense studies, Saint Anthony's College for Panay-Antiqueño studies, Colegio de la Purisima Conception for Panay-Capizeño studies, and Aklan Catholic College for Panay-Akeanon studies.
Among those who came to grace the occasion were people from University of San Carlos which will take part on the Panay-Cebuano studies, Aquinas University of Legazpi for the Panay-Bicolano studies, Holy Trinity College for the Panay-Palawan studies, Holy Rosary Academy for the Panay-Romblon studies, and Liceo de Masbate for Panay-Masbate studies.
Augustinian historian Fr. Policarpio
Hernandez, O.S.A
Dignified personalities such as USA Coordinating Research and Publications Director Jigger Latoza and UCRP-Institute for Social Development Issues and Initiatives' Research and Advocacy Associate Ramonita Pico made the launching a success. USA Publishing House Managing Director John Iremil Teodoro led the launching of the books while UCRP-Institute for Panayana and Cross-cultural Studies Coordinator Fr. Antolin Asor handed out the Certificates and Tokens of Appreciation to the guests. Also present were Fr. Michael Belonio, O.S.A and Fr. Raul Marchan, O.S.A. UCRP-IPCS Research Associate Maria Cristy Daguay served as the Master of the Ceremony.