Quezon turns to Baybayin to preserve cultural heritage

Students, teachers and artists practiced writing the lyrics of Quezon’s provincial hymn in Baybayin during a workshop in Lucena City on 16 October that sought to keep the traditional Filipino script alive among new generations.

Organized by the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office, the “Kalilayang Likhaing Baybayin” workshop at the Capitol Compound formed part of the province’s observance of Museums and Galleries Month 2026.

Veteran journalist, documentarist and Baybayin advocate Howie Severino served as resource speaker. He discussed the script’s origins, how his interest in it began and the proper way of writing it, according to the provincial government.

The workshop brought together students, teachers, local artists and representatives of tourism offices from different towns and cities in Quezon.

Participants put their knowledge into practice by writing the provincial hymn’s lyrics using Baybayin, connecting the learning activity with a familiar expression of local identity.

A photo exhibition and displays of artworks featuring the script complemented the workshop, highlighting its place in Filipino cultural heritage.

Provincial Administrator Manuel Butardo, Board Member John Joseph Aquivido and Provincial Librarian Ria Marelle A. Timbal attended the activity.

The Provincial Tourism Office, headed by Nesler Louies Almagro, organized the program as part of efforts to preserve cultural knowledge and pass it on to succeeding generations.

This year’s Museums and Galleries Month carries the theme “Bridging Divides, Preserving the Present for Tomorrow.”

Caption: Journalist and Baybayin advocate Howie Severino speaks to participants during the Kalilayang Likhaing Baybayin workshop at the Capitol Compound in Lucena City on 16 October 2026.