Dr. Erlinda Kintanar-Alburo, a distinguished Cebuano scholar and cultural icon, joyously celebrated her 80th birthday on February 20, marking the occasion with the poignant launch of her newest literary work, titled "Paghulagway Re-Presenting the Local." This event highlights her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Cebuano-Binisaya language and traditions.
A Lifetime of Cultural Advocacy and Academic Excellence
Hailing from Argao, Cebu, Dr. Alburo has built an illustrious career as a teacher, poet, and researcher, specializing in the development of the Cebuano-Binisaya language and historical studies. Her academic journey includes serving as a professor and former director of the Cebuano Studies Center at the University of San Carlos, where she taught until her retirement in 2011. Beyond the Philippines, she has shared her expertise internationally, lecturing at institutions such as the University of Hawaii and Taiwan Fu Jen University, and delivering talks at universities across the United States, Singapore, and Bolivia.
Literary Contributions and Poetic Insights
Dr. Alburo has authored numerous published poems, with one notable work, "Disgrasyada," delving into profound social issues. The poem poignantly questions societal labels, as seen in lines like: "Apan ngano man diay kon mailhan kang disgrasyada kay kuno ikaw nainahan apan dili diay asawa?" (But why should you be called disgraced just because you are a mother but not a wife?).
Her writing skillfully balances seriousness with lightness, as she describes scenarios where children, regardless of gender, grow up in challenging circumstances, such as being tasked with rolling tobacco leaves or singing to soothe sweat-filled nightmares. This blend of depth and accessibility in her poetry underscores her ability to address complex themes while engaging readers emotionally.
Recognition and Legacy in Cultural and Literary Arts
Dr. Alburo's impact extends beyond her writings; she is a co-founder of Women in Literary Arts, an organization dedicated to supporting female writers. Her contributions have been widely recognized through awards from prestigious bodies, including the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Research Council, the UP Department of English and Literature, the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas, the Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, and local governments in Cebu and Argao.
Currently, she serves as a Commissioner for the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission in Cebu City, continuing her advocacy for cultural preservation. As she celebrates this milestone birthday, Dr. Alburo's legacy as a trailblazer in Cebuano literature and education remains an inspiration to many, embodying a lifelong commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the Philippines.
