The Municipality of Pura strengthened its commitment to preserving cultural identity through a photography and story gathering workshop under the project “Tilling the Soil: Cultivating Community Ground,” part of the mother program “Educational Heritage Management: Preserving Pura’s Folklore for Cultural Identity and EDCOM-Aligned Literacy Advancement.”
Esteemed speakers from the TSU Office of Public Affairs conducted sessions on mobile photography for cultural documentation, identifying and selecting heritage landmarks and objects, and writing effective captions for heritage photos. Mr. Franc Lewis R. Juanatas, Ms. Maria Adelaida D. Calayag, and Ms. Jodie Andrea G. Pangilinan guided participants, including graduate students and faculty from MAED English, MAED Filipino, MAED Early Childhood Education, MAED Physical Science, and MAED Technology and Livelihood Economics, alongside staff from the Pura Tourism Office.
During the afternoon session, participants explored the community to practice photography, capturing images that will support the upcoming three-day folklore mapping initiative aimed at documenting local stories, beliefs, and traditions for education and cultural preservation. Dr. Ninez B. Tulo, project head, expressed gratitude for the support of the LGU of Pura and the graduate studies faculty and students, noting that the collective effort will ensure the success of the project in preserving Pura’s living heritage.
As part of the cultural immersion, the team visited the home of renowned Pura-based international artist Ayen Quias. Her work resonates deeply with the essence of folklore, turning personal stories and community life into visual narratives that speak of hope, resilience, and family values. Ayen’s first wood sculpture, titled “Maura” after Maura Street in Pura where she grew up, features tightly arranged houses that symbolize the strong family ties and interconnectedness valued by Puranians. Her work evolved into “Ayen’s Little Town,” a series of colorful wooden houses crafted from scrap wood during the pandemic, representing the unity and hope of families even during times of isolation. The windows in her sculptures reflect the belief that hope is always present, a sentiment often carried in the oral traditions of Pura.
In addition to her wood sculptures, Ayen creates paintings that feature modern women, which she connects to her role as a woman, mother, and nurturer. Her series depicting mothers celebrates the strength and warmth of women who create an environment of love, compassion, and protection within their homes. This imagery aligns with the narratives in Pura’s folklore that honor the sacrifices and wisdom of mothers and elders, who serve as the primary storytellers and keepers of tradition in the community.
The visit to Ayen Quias highlighted how art can preserve and reflect the values and stories integral to Pura’s identity, showing that folklore is not only found in spoken stories but also in the artistic expressions that capture the spirit of the community.
This workshop marks a significant step in preparing Pura’s community for its folklore mapping efforts, equipping participants with practical skills while deepening their understanding of the value of cultural heritage. By documenting stories and preserving traditions through photographs and narratives, the municipality ensures that the rich heritage of Pura will continue to educate and inspire future generations, aligning with the goals of advancing literacy and cultural pride in the community.
