A decade-long project has culminated in the launch of Mga Karaang Sugilanon alang sa Kabataan: Cebuano Folktales, a collection of nine traditional stories aimed at preserving the Cebuano language, values, and storytelling traditions for a new generation of readers. The book was launched by Women in Literary Arts-Cebu (Wila) on May 22, 2026, in Cebu City.
Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Stories
Long before screens and gadgets dominated children's attention, stories served as a means for communities to pass on values, memories, and identity. Members of Wila gathered to launch this collection, which was retold for young readers and edited by renowned Cebuano language scholar Erlinda Kintanar-Alburo. The launch event took place at the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum Building, celebrating over a decade of work dedicated to preserving Cebuano storytelling traditions.
The book is divided into two sections: human stories and animal stories. It blends imagination, moral lessons, and cultural heritage through bilingual Cebuano and English texts. Originally intended for the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education Program of the Department of Education, the collection continues to serve as a tool for language learning and cultural preservation, even after revisions to the curriculum. The preface emphasizes that the stories aim to teach not only Cebuano and English but also values such as honesty, fairness, obedience, family solidarity, and work ethic.
Bridging Generations and Languages
The collection also highlights the importance of making Cebuano literature accessible to younger readers who are now more accustomed to English. Through simple dialogue, child-friendly narration, and colorful illustrations, the writers hope children can develop a positive connection with their mother tongue while discovering stories rooted in local culture.
Joanalyn P. Gabales, author of the story Haring Gangis Ug Haring León, emphasized the timeliness of the book. 'It's important to have this kind of book today because of heritage. Nowadays, maybe some kids would not even understand the real meaning behind these tales or the significance,' she said. Gabales also shared that the project took over 10 years to complete, largely due to difficulties in finding a publisher willing to support Cebuano-language literature. 'There was a time I proposed to a Manila-based publisher and the reply was simply: We don't have a demand for Cebuano titles,' she recalled.
Cultural Identity in a Modern World
During the launch, Atty. Marlouize Villanueva of the Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission reflected on storytelling as an essential part of preserving memory and identity in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and artificial intelligence. 'It reminds us that culture survives through care, recollection, and the willingness of one generation to speak to the next,' Villanueva said.
As Cebu continues to navigate modernization, Mga Karaang Sugilanon alang sa Kabataan stands as a reminder that stories told in one's own language remain powerful bridges between generations. (Sophie Cazimi / Université Libre de Bruxelles Intern)
