ILOILO CITY — The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) turned over a 100-volume cultural inventory on June 19, 2026, documenting the rich heritage of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. The milestone represents the most comprehensive mapping of the region’s natural, built, and intangible heritage ever assembled.
A Monumental Documentation Effort
The Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras (CMPG) Project spanned six provinces and enlisted seven state universities as research partners. Teams from West Visayas State University, Capiz State University, Aklan State University, and others collaborated with local communities to gather field data. Each volume captures a specific slice of the region’s unique identity.
Project manager Prof. Martin Genodepa and project leader Anna Razel L. Ramirez of UPV oversaw the massive undertaking. The initiative was funded by the Office of Senator Loren Legarda and received technical guidance from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The work operationalizes the Cultural Mapping Law of 2023.
Mapping Six Heritage Domains
Researchers catalogued natural heritage, including distinctive landforms and diverse flora and fauna. Tangible immovable heritage ranged from Spanish‑era churches to ancestral houses. Movable heritage encompassed artifacts like the Bangkaw ni Lucio Gomez and centuries‑old baptismal records. Intangible heritage documented living traditions such as the Ati‑Atihan Festival and folk healing practices.
The project also recorded cultural institutions like museums and heritage societies, along with significant personalities. Artists, master craftsmen, and historical figures who shaped Western Visayas now have their contributions permanently archived. This holistic framework ensures no aspect of regional identity is lost.
Preserving Languages and Indigenous Knowledge
Two specialized sub‑books, Bádbad and Panagway, focus exclusively on the endangered languages and lifeways of the Ati and Panay Bukidnon communities. These volumes capture oral narratives and traditional practices that are at risk of vanishing. Their inclusion underscores the project’s commitment to documenting the voices of indigenous peoples.
The research teams embedded with these communities, building trust and ensuring cultural protocols were respected. The resulting documentation serves as both an academic resource and a tool for the communities to assert their cultural rights. For tourists, the translated materials open a window into societies rarely seen.
A Digital Gateway for Heritage Tourism
Beyond the printed volumes, the project launched an interactive digital map hosting over 3,755 validated entries. Travelers, educators, and researchers can now explore geocoded heritage sites, from hidden waterfalls to artisan workshops. The platform makes it possible to plan immersive cultural itineraries long before arriving in the region.
The digital catalogue transforms static documentation into a dynamic tourism tool. A tourist researching Aklan can discover not just beaches but also the location of historic churches and the homes of master weavers. This connectivity between data and place encourages longer, more meaningful stays that benefit local economies.
Boosting Western Visayas’ Cultural Appeal
The 100‑volume inventory elevates the tourism profile of Panay and Guimaras by revealing depth beyond established attractions. Travelers seeking authentic experiences now have a comprehensive guide to festivals, heritage food trails, and ancestral architecture. The project positions the region as a premier cultural tourism destination in the Philippines.
Local government units received their customized volumes to integrate into municipal tourism plans and educational programs. The Iloilo City Government recognized UPV as a Heritage Awardee for this contribution. The recognition signals that cultural stewardship is valued as much as infrastructure development in the region’s growth strategy.
