The online platform became the salvation of the country’s literary heritage celebrating its 500 years, as dialogues at the literary congress of CTU Main’s “Pagpaambit 2021” prevailed in April despite the pandemic.
Themed “500 Taon ng Pagsulat sa Kalibutang Filipino,” the event drew support from CTU’s Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF).
Newly designated KWF Director Christian Licen invited the multi-awarded US-based Cebuana fictionist and literary icon Cecilia Manguerra- Brainard to primarily discuss Cebu’s literary aesthetics and reimaginings in her fictions.
“Our stories reflect and validate our own reality. These stories document our lives, our conflicts, our history, and our culture. Knowing these stories is important to us as well as to the future generations. You have to know where you came from in order to know where you are going,” said Brainard.
Linguistic and literary researches and extension projects added depth to the commemoration of the quincentennial celebration alongside the College of Arts and Sciences’ literary forum in its 3rd year.
Presenters were Dr. Rhodora Magan, Arnel Noval, Mydah Kabingue, Dr. Lynnette Matea Camello, Ronnel Victor Kilat, and Rogella Alcantara- Flores from different CTU campuses.
Under Presidential Proclamation 968 in 2015, the anniversary seeks to enrich the country’s literary heritage through narratives that shape and reshape cultural representations. /April Belga/CTU Main