In celebration of the National Indigenous Month in October, the Learning Equivalence and Alternatives Program (LEAP) organized a Baybayin Workshop for Grades 5 & 6 led by Rev. Jose Jaime ‘Jay’ R. Enage, the chairman of Baybayin Buhayin Incorporated.
The Baybayin Workshop held on October 17-18, 2024, was part of the students’ annual LEAPFest activity with the theme “United in Diversity: Promoting Uniqueness but Breaking Stereotypes.” It provided a hands-on opportunity for the Povedans to be immersed in the Filipino traditional writing system. Mr. Enage, the senate consultant for the Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems Act, guided the students in the intricate strokes and meaning of each character, allowing them to practice writing their names and simple Filipino words and phrases in Baybayin script. The workshop aimed to help students realize that Baybayin is not just an aesthetic form of art, but a crucial element of cultural heritage and identity. Mr. Enage emphasized throughout the encounter that practicing Baybayin is a significant step toward cultural revitalization, and the study of Filipino cannot be restricted to verbal communication while using foreign characters; understanding the cultural context and the traditional script is contingent on a deeper connection to the language. This approach is key to reconnecting the youth with their roots and the rich history of the Philippines.
Through a partnership with the Social Action Office, the Baybayin Workshop also paved the way for meaningful support for Mangyan students from Occidental Mindoro through La Liga Mariquina Inc. Fifty percent of the proceeds collected from the purchase of Baybayin Guide Cards will be donated and allocated to buy umbrellas for these students.
The event successfully celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines while reminding students to embrace their uniqueness and their roles as advocates for cultural preservation and social responsibility.