BRIDGING THE GAP
Mahimud-uson: The Alimodian heritage exhibit at UPV
For several years now, the Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS) of UP Visayas has been engaged in putting together exhibits representing the various municipalities and institutions in Panay. The exhibits aim to educate the viewers on the history and culture of various places in Western Visayas so that they may be made aware of and develop appreciation of their rich heritage as Ilonggo-Bisayans.
The current heritage exhibit is jointly sponsored by CWVS and the Alimodian Heritage Conservation Society (AHCS). It started with a simple ceremony in the afternoon of April 1, 2009 at the open quadrangle of the UPV main building in the city campus and is open for public viewing until August 2009. It is located at the lobby of CWVS fronting the open quadrangle.
The exhibit consists of a wide collection of AHCS that spans, on the main, about five decades. Among the items of major interest are samples of the elegant traditional saya and kimona, heirloom jars of various shapes and sizes, a very old seal-maker, antique mortar and pestle, samples of stone grinder, and different measuring containers made of wood and bamboo. There are alsosamples of traditional bamboo kitchen wares and fishing gears, old farm implements, some World War II memorabilia, antique betel nut containers, and wooden images of Catholic saints. In addition, one can see pencil sketches of some facets of the history and folklore of Alimodian done by a local artist, Bert Visto Jr.
Other than the material heritage objects on display, there are interesting photographs of Alimodian and its people, circa 1900s to 1950s. Perhaps, the jewels of the photo collection are 1) a picture of the old Alimodian Municipal Hall in 1905 and 2) a photograph of the first public passenger vehicle plying the route between Iloilo City and Alimodian via San Miguel in 1910. Those of the 1920s show the old town plaza, as well as the pupils and teachers of the Alimodian Elementary School during the American period.
The photographs taken in the 1930s have in them local politicians, young dancers doing the Rigodon and Comparza, civic parades, and the pupils and teachers of the Central Alimodian School. The 1940s photos reveal the old Alimodian church, some religious organizations and a religious pageant, and a group of students and teachers. Civic organizations, some public school teachers, folk dances and a symphony orchestra are the subjects shown in the photos of the 1950s.
The officers of AHCS are: Hon. Julius Alejo (President), Engr. Gil Altura (Vice-President), Leo Almendralejo (Secretary), and Dr. Ma. Milagros Carino (Treasurer). The members of the Board of Trustees, on the other hand,are the following: SB Member Felicita Amba, Prof. James Mozart Amsua of the University of San Agustin, Roberto Visto, Barangay Chairman Emmanuel Adricula, Barangay Kagawad Miguel Anas Jr., Adolfo Casorla, Arnold Silario, Allen Alitre, Barangay Kagawad Alejandro Alipat, and Bernard Thomas Ambut.