“Return of the Epic Play ‘Lawig Balangay’ in Historic Academe-LGU Partnership at UP”

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"Return of the Epic Play 'Lawig Balangay' in Historic Academe-LGU Partnership at UP" - AppliedHE

In a notable collaboration, the University of the Philippines’ School of Archaeology, the Center for International Studies, Caraga State University, the National Museum, and Butuan City are organizing the Balangay International Conference. This conference, scheduled for September 18-19, 2025, will celebrate Philippine maritime heritage and feature the long-awaited staging of the epic play “Lawig Balangay,” marking its return after several decades.

Purpose and Significance of the Conference

The Balangay International Conference is part of Butuan City Government’s efforts to promote and preserve its rich cultural heritage. According to Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun, recent archaeological excavations conducted by the National Museum demonstrate the city’s advanced pre-colonial civilization, highlighting the significance of the balangays. The conference aims to enhance Butuan’s reputation within the global maritime heritage context and facilitate academic exchanges that further the understanding of the region’s history.

Theatrical Production and Cultural Connection

Accompanying the conference will be a theatrical production that illustrates the maritime journeys and cultural importance of the balangay boats and the communities they served. This event seeks to provide participants with an emotional connection to the ancient seafaring traditions discussed during the academic presentations.

Collaboration Across Institutions

Caraga State University President Rolyn C. Daguil indicated that the collaboration illustrates how universities, national institutions, and local governments can work together to create events with international significance. The conference will feature a comprehensive program that integrates scholarly presentations with cultural performances, art exhibitions, and community engagement. Traditional dances and musical presentations from Butuan City will complement the academic discussions, reflecting the rhythm of the maritime culture.

Immersive Cultural Experience

Dr. Ligaya S. Lacsina from UP’s School of Archaeology, serving as Conference Chair, mentioned that the conference will offer an immersive cultural experience. Attendees will engage with contemporary art exhibitions and traditional performances, allowing them not only to learn about maritime heritage but also to interact with it on a deeper level.

Showcasing Maritime Heritage at the National Museum

The National Museum of the Philippines-Butuan plans to highlight its significant documentation, which recorded over 111,000 visitors in 2024, showcasing successful programs centered on maritime heritage. Bobby C. Orillaneda from the National Museum noted the museum’s goal of being a dynamic community space that connects the ancient balangay boats with contemporary Filipino identity.

Innovative Art Exhibition

The conference will also feature an innovative interactive art exhibition that includes installations by contemporary artists, discussions between artists and attendees, and presentations from fisherfolk, boat builders, and indigenous communities, thus providing diverse perspectives on maritime experiences. The theatrical centerpiece, “Lawig Balangay,” aims to articulate archaeological and historical insights through a vibrant cultural representation.

Scholarly Presentations and Keynote Speakers

Scholarly presentations will cover various aspects of maritime culture, addressing the relevance of traditional practices within current maritime communities. Keynote speakers from around the globe will contextualize Philippine maritime heritage within broader Asia-Pacific narratives while emphasizing local knowledge systems.

Policy Recommendations and Collaborative Efforts

The collaboration extends to developing policy recommendations for preserving maritime heritage, with all participating institutions committed to establishing a shared network that facilitates ongoing initiatives, creates educational materials for local communities, and develops collaborative research efforts.

Cultural Transformation Through Partnership

Dr. Cynthia N. Zayas from UP’s Center for International Studies remarked that this partnership model exemplifies how diverse institutions can collaborate to produce culturally transformative and academically robust events. The conference aligns with the UN Decade of the Ocean initiative (2021-2030) by intertwining indigenous knowledge with sustainable ocean practices, reinforcing community identity.

A Cultural Milestone for the Philippines

As the Philippines approaches the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Butuan boats in 2026, the conference will signify a cultural milestone, underscoring maritime heritage as an essential aspect of contemporary Filipino life. The return of “Lawig Balangay” represents this cultural revival, demonstrating how ancient narratives can resonate with modern audiences and foster connections across generations through shared maritime heritage.

Invitation to Participate

The conference invites scholars, cultural practitioners, and community members to participate, with limited funding opportunities available for international attendees. Cultural programs will also be accessible to the broader Butuan community, ensuring an inclusive celebration of maritime heritage. Registration information will be available on the conference website, and inquiries can be directed to the contact email provided.