Speech delivered by Municipal Culture and Arts Council Co-chair Abraham A. Pigao, Jr. at the opening of the five-day Local Cultural Mapping, under the supervision of NCCA, in partnership with the Department of Education, participated by LGU cultural workers and other stakeholders.

To our fatherly mayor and Chairman of the Municipal Culture and Arts Council, Hon. Dante Dexter A. Agatep; our ever-supportive Vice Mayor Randy C. Cambe; esteemed Public School District Supervisor, Mr. Francisco S. Conag; East District In-charge, Mr. Wilson Constantino; other LGU officials who are here today; school heads; teachers; Barangay Health Workers; Municipal Tourism Office representatives; and NCCA Program Managers; ladies and gentlemen, a blessed morning.

I'm absolutely thrilled for such an incredible gathering—a diverse tapestry of minds and hearts that represent the beating pulse of our community. Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey, one that resonates deeply with our shared values and aspirations—the launch of our Cultural Mapping Initiative. This initiative isn’t just a project; it's a testament to our dedication to preserving, celebrating, and uplifting our cultural heritage, a commitment rooted in legal mandates and frameworks that recognize the significance of safeguarding our cultural wealth.

Under the framework of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XIV, Section 14 mandates the government to foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of Filipino culture and arts. Furthermore, Republic Act No. 7356 affirms the state's commitment to promote and protect cultural heritage and just recently, RA 11961, AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF PHILIPPINE CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH CULTURAL MAPPING AND ENHANCED CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION PROGRAM and the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 22-084 on “Establishment and Maintenance of LGU Inventory of Cultural Property, Using Cultural Mapping Toolkit Developed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)."

The LaCASA, our Cultural Mapping Initiative, finds its legal ground. These legislations emphasize the protection, preservation, and promotion of our diverse cultural heritage. They provide the mandate and foundation for initiatives like ours, reinforcing the importance of documenting and safeguarding the intricate tapestry of traditions, customs, and narratives that shape our identity. This project serves several critical purposes:

Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage. This aligns with the legal mandate to enrich and safeguard our cultural treasures for future generations, as enshrined in the Constitution and Republic Act No. 7356.

Integration into DepEd Curriculum. The integration of cultural mapping into the DepEd curriculum is a vital step in complying with Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013). This legal framework emphasizes the need to promote the appreciation of culture and the arts as part of the holistic development of learners. By integrating cultural mapping, we fulfill this legal obligation while enriching the educational experience of our students.

Research Opportunities and Contextualization. Cultural mapping serves as a wellspring of data for academic research, aligning with the DepEd Order No. 16 s. 2017 (Research Management Guidelines). This data can be used to contextualize education, ensuring that learning experiences are relevant and meaningful, in accordance with Republic Act No. 10533.

Think of cultural mapping as our compass—it helps us navigate through the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and stories that form the very essence of our communities. By carefully documenting these invaluable pieces of our identity—whether it's ancient wisdom, local practices, or tales passed down through generations—we're safeguarding the soul of who we are, in compliance with these legal mandates.

More than that, cultural mapping is our platform for empowerment. It brings together stakeholders from various walks of life—the teachers shaping young minds, the health workers tirelessly caring for our well-being, the local government guiding policies, the tourism office showcasing our uniqueness, the indigenous communities preserving ancient wisdom, and the program managers leading cultural initiatives. Together, we create an environment where knowledge flows freely, skills are honed, and our communities grow stronger—all in alignment with legal frameworks that encourage such collaborative efforts.

This initiative is also a bridge that spans generations and cultivates inclusivity, echoing the spirit of these legal mandates. It’s about fostering a dialogue where wisdom and traditions are shared between our elders and the vibrant energy of our youth, ensuring that our heritage remains a vibrant part of our collective story, in line with the legal mandate of continuity and preservation.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you for your commitment to this noble cause. Let's embark on this incredible journey together, guided by unity, respect, and collaboration, all within the legal framework that encourages and protects our efforts. Together, we shall uncover the treasures of our culture and pave the way for a future where our heritage shines as a symbol of our strength and unity, in accordance with our legal responsibilities.#