Malay town officials adopt local hymn

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Local officials of Malay, Aklan formally adopted a hymn that captures the unity and pride of Malaynons, their dreams and aspirations, rich cultural heritage, history and natural resources.

On December 15, the song in local language will be first played officially during the launching of Malay hymn, Step and Beat for Fiesta de Obreros Festival Dance and Film Documentary of the 17 barangays at Malay Activity Center. 

“Malay Bugae Naton” was composed by Malay Cultural Mappers and selected Malay school teachers and arranged by former National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) chairman Professor Felipe de Leon, Jr. 

Rex Aguirre of Municipal Tourism Office said the municipal government of Malay and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) undertook Cultural Mapping project to highlight the culture and heritage of the Malaynon community.

The cultural mapping is the process of data collection and management, identifying and using community and local cultural activities or projects, information and resources in helping the communities celebrate and recognize their diversity for social, economic and regional development.

The joint project is in line with National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which mandates all local government units to make an inventory of their cultural properties and preserve their contemporary and traditional arts. 

The outputs of Malay cultural mapping include documentaries locally filmed and chronicled the history, livelihood, industries, local events, scenic spots and cultural diversity of Malay. 

The documentary films are Puka Shells (Yapak), Pagseparar Malay sa Buruanga (Poblacion), Pagpanguma (Motag), Paraw (Cubay Norte), Mahikaw (Balabag), Lupo Lupo Lake (Caticlan), Tugbong (Kabulihan), Panaksay (Sambiray), Cococoir (Napaan), Paglingkad (Manoc-Manoc), Daigon (Dumlog), Ati Village (Cubay Sur), Largarete (Balusbos), Pangko (Argao), Taon (Nabaoy), Bueawan nga Barko (Naasog), and The Clay House (Cogon).