‘Dayaw’ Promotes Legacy of Ancestors Thru Tangible Heritage

The Philippines has a rich collection of tangible heritage that serves as the physical manifestation of Filipino ingenuity, talent and history. The third episode of Dayaw on October 15 titled “Inukit, Hinulma, Nilikha” highlights the country’s tangible symbols of culture, created using indigenous skills and knowledge.

Senator Loren Legarda urges everyone to watch the latest episode of the 6-part TV documentary series.

“I want everyone to see the value of our tangible heritage, from buildings, artifacts, even traditional houses. These are things that validate our collective memory as a united nation and literally, enables us to touch the past,” Legarda stated.

The episode features the iconic bulul of the Ifugaos that is carved from the trunks of sacred narra trees, pre-selected through a process of divination. Bulul figures are associated with times of plenty and of bountiful harvests.

It also features the okir, an indigenous design that is distinctly Maranao and is present everywhere—on everyday objects, prestige objects, on wood, brass, textile and pottery; and the talented craftsmen of Tugaya, Lanao del Sur who are esteemed for their handcrafting skills in wood, brass, silver and gold.

Also in this episode is the torogan, a traditional house of the Maranao datus in the province of Lanao del Sur. The structure is intricately engraved with the flowing patterns of the okir. The few remaining torogans are about a hundred years old.

Dayaw, conceptualized and hosted by Senator Legarda, and produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), is shown every Thursday, 6:00pm on ANC, with replays on Friday 1:30am and 2:30pm, Saturday 2:30pm and Sunday 11:00am. It is aired simultaneously on The Filipino Channel (TFC).