MALAY, Aklan – Local government officials formally adopted a hymn that they said captures the unity and pride of Malaynons, their dreams and aspirations, rich cultural heritage, history, and natural resources.
“Malay Bugae Naton” was composed by Malay Cultural Mappers and select school teachers, and arranged by Professor Felipe de Leon Jr., former chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The song, written in the local language, was set to be first played officially on Saturday at the launch of the Malay hymn, step and beat for the Fiesta de Obreros Festival dance, and a film documentary on 17 barangays at the Malay Activity Center.
Rex Aguirre of the Municipal Tourism Office said the local government and the Cultural Center of the Philippines found these by conducting cultural mapping as they sought to document the culture and heritage of the Malaynons.
Cultural mapping is the process of data collection and management, identifying and using community and local cultural activities or projects, information and resources in helping communities celebrate and recognize their diversity for social, economic and regional development.
The joint project was in line with National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which mandates all local government units to make an inventory of their cultural properties and preserve their contemporary and traditional arts.
Outputs of the cultural mapping in Malay include documentary films that chronicled the history, livelihood, industries, local events, scenic spots, and cultural diversity of Malay.
They are “Puka Shells” (Yapak), “Pagseparar Malay sa Buruanga” (Poblacion), “Pagpanguma” (Motag), “Paraw” (Cubay Norte), “Mahikaw” (Balabag), “Lupo Lupo Lake” (Caticlan), “Tugbong” (Kabulihan), “Panaksay” (Sambiray), “Cococoir” (Napaan), “Paglingkad” (Manoc-manoc), “Daigon” (Dumlog), “Ati Village” (Cubay Sur), “Largarete” (Balusbos), “Pangko” (Argao), “Taon” (Nabaoy), “Bueawan nga Barko” (Naasog), and “The Clay House” (Cogon). (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
