Senator Legarda Highlights Culture in Antique Launch
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda underscored the vital role of culture in shaping national identity during the launch of two major cultural projects at the Old Capitol Building in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on July 16, 2025. These events featured the unveiling of Lemlunay: Pagunita sa Gunita, a poetry collection by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario, with English translations by poet Marne Kilates, alongside the opening of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery: Paghabül sa Antique.
Legarda’s support for these initiatives reflects her commitment to preserving Philippine culture and heritage. She said, “Culture is our lifeline. Giving life to culture is giving life to every Filipino. Because in every art and culture that we value, there is no community that we give identity, livelihood and dignity.” This statement highlights the essence of culture as the foundation of Filipino identity and pride.
Preserving Antique’s Weaving Traditions
Housed permanently in the restored Old Capitol Building, the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery showcases Antique’s rich weaving traditions. These crafts have been passed down through generations, dating back to pre-colonial times. The gallery not only preserves these skills but also serves as a symbol of sustainable development and community empowerment.
Senator Legarda, a four-term Antiqueña, emphasized how heritage can drive progress. She remarked, “The restoration of this Old Capitol building is my way of showing my kasimanwa that progress does not mean letting go of the past. It means embracing it, honoring it, and building on it.” This restoration transforms a historic site into a vibrant cultural space, bridging Antique’s past with its present.
Supporting Weavers and Filipino Textiles
The gallery highlights the local textiles and the mastery of Antique’s weavers. Their expertise continues to nurture cultural preservation and bolster economic resilience. Legarda authored the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law and has actively aided weaving communities nationwide by providing raw materials, equipment, and training.
Celebrating National Artist Virgilio Almario’s Work
On the same day, the book launch of Lemlunay: Pagunita sa Gunita honored the literary contributions of National Artist Virgilio Almario. The title, derived from a T’boli word meaning “paradise,” invites readers into a reflective journey that blends personal memories with the nation’s collective history.
Legarda expressed, “In every page of this book we give life to memories of the past — material things, symbols and dreams of our nation.” She added, “Our future is part of our past. We need to look back and remember in order to reach the deeper knowledge of ourselves and our nation.”
She also noted the enduring significance of literature today, saying, “In a world changed by technology, where every sentence can be erased, twisted or separated from truth, I hope this book can ignite our desire for Lemlunay, one paradise that mirrors peace, history, culture and being Filipino.”
Legarda’s Vision for Cultural Heritage
These events are part of Senator Legarda’s broader cultural programs that champion tangible and intangible heritage, from indigenous practices to contemporary Filipino literature. She called for inclusive spaces that celebrate culture and invite public participation.
“I want to be remembered as someone who gave life to what was fading, someone who stood beside the weaver, the farmer, the artisan, and gave them a voice,” Legarda concluded, demonstrating her dedication to uplifting Filipino cultural communities.
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