Rizal Library: Home to Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Ateneo is home to many different collections concerned with different fields and specialties. As a university, it holds its responsibility of archiving history and culture with importance, and the Rizal Library’s special collections is no exception in this regard.

The Philippine Epics and Ballads Archive makes it possible for researchers to read and listen to epics and ballads from 15 different indigenous communities—in audio and video formats, with accompanying transcriptions, translations, and photographs—not only in person, but also to anyone who wishes to view them online. Dr. Nicole Revel’s recordings of epic chanting traditions of various ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines, preserved at the Pardo de Tavera Library, have been digitized and are freely available online at epics.ateneo.edu.

Another example of intangible cultural heritage found in the original Rizal Library building on campus, is the Ateneo Library of Women’s Writings, the first archival facility of its kind in the Philippines. Put up to procure, preserve, and promote writing by and about Filipino women in all areas, it consists of various personal and professional records—including diaries, letters, manuscripts, photographs, and more—collected from over 245 women in the fields of literature, performing arts, medicine, social sciences, etc. Currently, ALiWW’s archival collections measure approximately 275.4 linear feet, representing 212 Filipinas and three women’s organizations.