The Ghesquiere–Bouckaert Institute for Literature Development (GILD) and the Marian Youth Literature Circle (MYLC) successfully held a seminar titled “Tales of Water and Salt: Exploring Indigenous Literary Texts” on October 15, 2025, at the Pedro Calungsod Hall.

The event, which gathered around 150 participants, was part of the month-long celebration of the Indigenous and Museum Month.

The seminar featured Mrs. Maria Ines R. Minia, former faculty member of the Department of Languages under the School of Teacher Education and Humanities of Saint Mary’s University, as the resource speaker.

In her talk, Mrs. Minia examined how the precolonial indigenous texts The Legend of the Magat River and The Legend of the Salinas Salt Spring depicted the place of women in society.

“Women were objectified, were seen as secondary to men, and were always regarded in the periphery,” Minia underscored in her discussion.

The event was also attended by Dr. Zayda Asuncion, Junior High School Principal, and Dr. Christopher Allen Marquez, Director of the Community Engagement and IP Center of Saint Mary’s University, showing the institution’s support for cultural and literary initiatives.

Moreover, Ma’am Marichelle O. Costales from the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office also graced the event and delivered a short message as a fellow heritage advocate and  expressed her eagerness to learn from the activity and conveyed her hope for future collaborations with the institute.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chad Takinan, president of the MYLC, emphasized the deep connection between literature and culture.

 “Everyone should work together in promoting both,” he said.

Adding a cultural touch, musical interludes featured Lance Constantine Gapuz performing the Ilocano folksong “Ti Ayat ti Maysa nga Ubing” with Daren Esteban on keyboards, and Jeoff Pugong singing the Ifugao folksong “Aggudung Pele Pele.”

As part of the program, a Philippine Literature Quiz Bee was also held where the School of Teacher Education and Humanities emerged as champion after three rounds of easy, moderate, and difficult questions.

The School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology secured second place, followed by the School of Health and Natural Sciences in third, and the School of Accountancy and Business in fourth.

The event concluded with the signing of the pledge wall where participants wrote personal messages and placed thumbmarks on tree branches as a symbolic commitment to preserve and protect indigenous cultures.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Lysel Haloc, officer-in-charge of the GILD, expressed her gratitude to everyone who joined the event and reminded participants of the crucial role they play in preserving cultural heritage.

“Culture and heritage thrive when people choose to protect and celebrate them,” Haloc said.