Iloilo Archives - Page 15 of 20 - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

“Pag-ubra ka lag-e” bamboo blind-making, is a traditional craft in Barangay Mainguit, Badiangan, Iloilo. Nonito Catedrilla is credited to have introduced this craft to his relatives when he moved to Mainguit, and has since been passed down through observation and practice. Skilled artisans weave bamboo into blinds, which finished products are used to decorate windows and as protection from sunlight. This craft is an important source of income for the community, with local resorts as their primary clients. While bamboo blind-making plays a significant cultural and economic role for the community, it faces challenges such as limited working spaces and ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage,

BANAAG FESTIVAL

Anilao, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Banaag Festival is an annual celebration held in Anilao, Iloilo, celebrated during the town’s foundation day. The festivity is representative of the town’s identity through the theme of “banaag” or light, which historically served as a warning signal during Moro pirate raids. Rooted in the town’s colonial past, the use of torches has evolved into displays of lights during nighttime festivities. The festival features dance performances, illuminated costumes, and lanterns, uniting residents in a shared cultural experience. The entire community, including schools and civic groups, play an active role in passing on festival practices through informal participation and performance. ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage,

SINAKOL MAKING (A STICKY RICE DELICACY)

Alimodian, Iloilo, Taban–Manguining

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Sinakol is a traditional sticky rice delicacy from Alimodian, Iloilo, popular in Barangay Taban–Manguining and surrounding areas, where it has been made since before World War II. The snack is prepared using glutinous rice, coconut, muscovado and white sugar, and water. It is steamed in a bamboo-matted cauldron then formed into soft round balls, and finally wrapped in banana leaves. While the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted production and sales, Sinakol remains closely tied to cultural practices such as All Saints’ Day, Lenten seasons, and local festivals. Efforts to safeguard this practice include non-formal transmission, documentation, and promotion by local and ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage,

TINUOB NGA SISI

Ajuy, Iloilo, Silagon

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tinuob nga Sisi is a traditional dish from Ajuy, Iloilo, rooted in its cultural relevance and the community’s fishing heritage. It is made by wrapping Sisi (a type of shellfish) in banana leaves, along with salt, sugar, lemongrass, and ginger, then steaming or grilling it for a few minutes. This dish has long served as an affordable nourishing meal for low-income families, especially during hard times, and it remains popular today. However, threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, over-harvesting, and the gradual loss of traditional knowledge pose risks to its survival. Local efforts such as non-formal education and the ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage,

PAGPAMAKAS

Coastal barangays, Concepcion, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pinakas is a traditional method of drying fish particularly in coastal communities. The practice was likely developed to prevent spoilage and to ensure a stable food supply during periods of scarcity. Fresh local fish like hasa-hasa (mackerel) are selected and cleaned by scaling and removing the organs. The fish are then salted generously to draw out moisture and prevent bacteria growth. These are then split open and laid out to dry in the sun on bamboo racks or mats made from woven coconut leaves. This method of food preservation is prepared with meticulous care, following techniques that have been passed ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Traditional Craftsmanship

TINALA NGA SISI

Barotac Nuevo, Guintas, Iloilo, Lanas, Palaciawan, Talisay, Tinorian

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tinala nga sisi is a traditional practice of extracting the meat of the sisi (rock oysters) harvested from rocks during low-tides. These are then washed clean with seawater, then bottled in saltwater to maintain its freshness. These are sold immediately or cooked within the day to prevent spoilage. Tinala nga sisi is very affordable and sells out almost everyday, providing stable income for families engaging in this activity. However, fluctuating market demand as well as competition from other seafood options affect the practice as sisi has a very short shelf life. Pollution and habitat destruction also have adverse effects on ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PANGBATAK

Banate, Carmelo, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pangbatak is a traditional healing practice in the Philippines, wherein the word “pang” means to touch or to strike and “batak” means to press or knead. It is a traditional healing guide practiced in barangays without easy access to hospitals or modern medicine as well as those who are suffering from financial difficulties and cannot afford medical expenses. The process consists of herbal medicines, massages, and spiritual security from the ancestors to assist the women in delivering the infant or adjust its position in the womb.

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

TUBA (Coconut Palm Wine)

Balasan, Iloilo, Zarragosa

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tuba or coconut wine, is a traditional beverage made from the sap of coconut trees and is often consumed during community gatherings and celebrations. The mananggiti or coconut sap collectors climb the coconut trees twice per day to reach the trees’ suwak (inflorescence). Using a sanggot (a kind of knife), they then cut through its inflorescence allowing the sap to flow into a kaw-it (a container usually made of bamboo) attached to the tree. This is then left overnight, to which the mananggiti will return to check the gathered sap and repeats the process, ensuing continuous collection. Tuba collecting has ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

PUYOY

Balasan, Iloilo, Mamhut Norte

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Phuyoy also known as the Philippine Worm Eel, is a type of fish found mainly in the brackish waters of estuaries and mangroves in places like Brgy. Mamhut Norte. It has a long, slender, snake-like body with smooth skin, making it well-suited for moving through muddy areas; its dark coloring helps it blend into its surroundings. This eel is carnivorous and feeds on smaller fish and crustaceans, and it is most active during the rainy season. Locally known as “puyoy” or “sili-sili,” it is commonly caught for food and often cooked grilled or in local dishes like adobo and ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

PANTAT

Iloilo, Zarraga

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pantat, also known as catfish, is a native fish commonly found in slow-moving or stagnant waters like rivers and ponds in Iloilo. It has a smooth, scaleless body with whisker-like barbels that help it find food in muddy water, and it can survive harsh conditions by breathing air and burrowing into mud. Pantat is an important source of income and food for many families in Zarraga, where it is celebrated annually during the Pantat Festival. The festival highlights the town’s history of catfish farming and promotes local culture through dances, cooking contests, and community events. Pantat farming supports sustainable aquaculture, ...

PAG-UBRA KA LAG-E

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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