PH Embassy in Singapore Deepens Understanding of Filipino Culture and Heritage through Bagungaya Lecture Workshop
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig delivers his Opening Remarks. (Singapore PE photo)
SINGAPORE 29 May 2025 — As a fitting end to the monthlong celebration of the National Heritage Month this May, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore hosted a special cultural lecture-workshop entitled “Bagungaya: A Lecture-Workshop on Indigenous Cultural Heritage,” conducted by Katutubo Exchange Philippines, a volunteer youth-led cultural organization that advocates for the preservation and promotion of indigenous Filipino heritage on 27 May 2025.
The workshop, held for Embassy personnel, formed part of Katutubo Exchange’s continuing outreach efforts, aligned with the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) and the Centennial Year of National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo.
The activity featured Dr. Edwin Antonio, founder of Katutubo Exchange Philippines and Vice Head of the National Committee on Northern Cultural Communities under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), who was the resource speaker and workshop facilitator. A long-time advocate for the promotion and preservation of Filipino heritage, Dr. Antonio conducted a similar lecture-workshop in Singapore in August 2018, making his return a welcome and enriching continuation of the Embassy’s cultural engagement initiatives.
In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig emphasized the importance of fostering cultural awareness within the Philippine foreign service. “Kung hindi natin alam ang ating pinagmulan, paano natin mauunawaan ang ating patutunguhan. Nawa’y mapalalim pa natin ang ating pag-unawa at pagpapahalaga sa yaman ng ating mga katutubong kultura,” he said.
Dr. Antonio delivered a wide-ranging lecture that explored Philippine pre-colonial history, the concept of culture and heritage, and an overview of various indigenous cultural communities across the country. He also discussed the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), highlighting the lives and work of the awardees, with a special focus on the centennial celebration of National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo, renowned for her mastery of inabel weaving. He also stressed the importance of preserving intangible heritage, such as oral traditions and languages, especially in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Participants also engaged in hands-on sessions on baybayin writing, explored selected indigenous Filipino games, and had the opportunity to view and try on traditional indigenous attire and textiles.
A total of 25 Embassy personnel took part in the activity, which fostered deeper appreciation and understanding of the Philippines’ diverse indigenous cultures. A highlight of the workshop was the presentation of traditional weaves, including those created by National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo, underscoring how weaving is deeply rooted in Philippine cultural identity and heritage.
The full lecture-workshop will be made available on the Embassy’s official YouTube channel for public reference and educational use. END
Dr. Edwin Antonio, founder of Katutubo Exchange Philippines, a volunteer youth-led cultural organization that advocates for the preservation and promotion of indigenous Filipino heritage, delivering a wide-range lecture that explores Philippine pre-colonial history, the concept of culture and heritage, and an overview of various indigenous cultural communities across the country. (Singapore PE photo)
Participants also engaged in hands-on sessions on baybayin writing, explored selected indigenous Filipino games, and had the opportunity to view and try on traditional indigenous attire and textiles. (Singapore PE photo)
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