Vanguard of Heritage: Kapalong's Commitment to Cultural Preservation

by Roderick C Parcon

Thu, Dec 28, 2023 3:32 AM

Deep within the beating heart is an unflinching glim of culture that glows and flows through the veins of its people. Like masterfully woven tapestries, cultural elements plaited with rich stories are intricately crafting the essence of Kapalong's identity.It is within these cultural identities that the secrets of life are whispered, serving as a guiding path towards the preservation and elevation of treasured tradition – from one generation to another.<blockquote>Culture extends beyond the surface-level displays we witness during cultural events and festivals. It is more than the vivid colors that adorn the streets and the tantalizing flavors that grace our palates during celebratory gatherings.Cultural heritage includes the unseen intricacies of daily life, the methods of survival, the steadfast presence of centuries-old structures, and the stories that stand within stillness.</blockquote>With that being said, the municipality of Kapalong embarked on an extraordinary quest, delving deep into the boundless realm of resource appraisal, in the hope of searching the very threads that connect present existence to a vibrant past.Last 2020, the ever-supporting initiative of Mayor Maria Theresa R. Timbol deployed mappers to explore the fragments and hidden intricacies that would unlock the treasures of iconic history and the cherished practices of bygone eras. These invaluable discoveries are believed to have shaped the very essence of the community, reaffirming their core beliefs and weaving a vivid narrative of their way of life.These painstaking steps taken in this mission are vital strides towards safeguarding this immeasurably rich treasure, advancing through ensuring preservation for many generations to come.This movement yielded a bountiful compilation of 103 esteemed cultural properties, sourced from the diverse tapestry of the municipality's 14 barangays. This remarkable achievement was made possible with the invaluable guidance and mentorship of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.On December 15, 2022, 24 cultural elements were submitted for validation, marking a significant milestone in their recognition in Philippine Registry of Cultural Properties.Next in the highlight is Kapalong’s sojourn of joining the ATOP Pearl Awards for Best Cultural and Arts Award Municipal Category Competition which was participated by various LGUs nationwide. As a result, the Municipality of Kapalong was declared as one of the distinguished National Finalists last October 5, 2023, in Boracay Island, Malay, Province of Aklan testifying the outstanding contribution and dedication of the municipality in the said competition.Last November 20-22, 2023, a forge of Tribal Leaders from the municipality of Kapalong and municipality of Laak collaborated to intensify the safeguarding and installing of policy to be implemented to strengthen the conservation measures of Bubongan Tu’ Sangan, the sacred mountain. This planning activity was a partnership of the Tourism &amp; Culture Office, and MENR Office under the leadership of the good office of the Municipal Mayor Tess Timbol.While things are unfolding, the encoding for revision of the first batch of PRECUP entries and the publishing of the second batch is still occurring. And by December 12, 2023, 40 (forty) cultural elements are uploaded for updating of the PRECUP Entries; 22 of them are new entries and 18 are revised versions.In connection with that, in the hope to strengthen the protection and conservation status of the cultural elements, the municipality of Kapalong crafted an ordinance that stands in guard for safeguarding and protecting the heritage of the municipality which was authored by Hon.&nbsp; Eduardo A. Domat-ol. This ordinance stipulates the agreed allowable acts, enforcement and implementation, prohibited acts, and other supporting clauses.The keeping of these heritage breathes the ultimate value they hold as these established norms play a crucial role in preserving our culture for every generation. They serve as a bridge that connects us to our ancestors, allowing us to carry their wisdom, values, and traditions up until the present. By safeguarding these, we ensure the continuity of our cultural heritage, passing it on the future generations.<blockquote>Through the preservation of our cherished culture, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for the cultural identity of generations to come. It is through the forge of our cultural essence, the narratives we share, and the established norms we uphold that we preserve and celebrate the beauty and diversity of our heritage.</blockquote>It is evident that the municipality is determined to advance the conservation and safeguarding initiative into a habitual involvement. With the projects realized, crafting of plans, updating and publishing of elements, and lastly the national participation for competitions in the dream of pursuing and highlighting the commitment of keeping the heritage a shining example of resilience, Kapalong is enlivening its commitment to be a guardian of its heritage.&nbsp;— written by: May Joy J. Tilano

Municipality of Kapalong

Quezon St. Maniki (Poblacion), Kapalong Davao del Norte, 8113

Vanguard of Heritage: Kapalong's Commitment to Cultural Preservation

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Quezon St. Maniki (Poblacion), Kapalong Davao del Norte, 8113

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