Participating in the 12th DIWANG: Sagisag Kultura ng Filipinas National Competition allowed me to rediscover and deepen my appreciation for our rich Bicolano heritage through cultural mapping. Developing a week-long culture-based lesson plan gave me the opportunity to integrate intangible cultural heritage—(1) Pagsasantigwar, (2) Pagsasabi ng Tabi Apo, and (3) Paniniwala sa Tawong Lipod—into the teaching-learning process.

Cultural mapping has been instrumental in retracing our roots, and it has personally helped me recognize the value of traditions that are slowly fading. The lost tradition of Pagsasantigwar, for instance, reflects our ancestors’ deep spiritual connection to healing practices. By incorporating this into the classroom, I was able to present it not only as a historical artifact but also as a lens through which students could understand our cultural identity. Merging these traditions with literature—such as poetry—and supporting them with research by Bicolano authors strengthened the lesson’s impact. This approach may not only preserve these traditions but may also spark meaningful discussions on their relevance today.

Thus, integrating cultural heritage into education promotes a deeper appreciation for local identity while sharpening critical thinking skills. By situating these traditions within an academic framework, I was able to bridge culture and education, ensuring that our heritage is not just remembered but continuously explored and valued by future generations.