The UP Diliman (UPD) College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) Folklore Studies Program recently organized “Pagdiriwang: International Online Conference on Folklore and Heritage” in solidarity with the country’s 2021 quincentennial commemoration of the 1521 introduction of Christianity in the Philippines with the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan.

Hosted simultaneously via Zoom and livestreamed on social media from Mar. 17 to 18, the two-day conference focused on Christianity and popular devotion and several other historical events.

Each day consisted of three panels featuring academics and scholars from all over the world, presenting their research on the transformations and incorporation of Christianity and popular devotions in the cultural and social lives of Filipinos.

Some of the experts featured on the panel were Prof. Teresita A. Alcantara, Ph (College of Arts and Letters/CAL (CAL), Prof. Ma. Crisanta N. Flores, PhD (CAL), Prof. Rhodalyn C. Wani-Obias (CSSP), Prof. Mary Jane B. Rodriguez-Tatel, PhD (CAL), Prof. Sir Anril P. Tiatco, (CAL), PhD and CSSP graduate student Mary Josefti Nito.

The events were livestreamed over the official Facebook pages of Pagdiriwang and the National Quincentennial Committee. While the conference itself was open to the public, those who wanted to receive certificates of attendance were requested to pre-register.

CSSP Dean Bernadette Abrera said the conference is a way to give Filipinos “a more comprehensive account and retelling of our nation and our path to nationhood, not only to rediscover but perhaps also to reconcile our nationalist aspirations with our cultural assimilations.”

Conference convenors were Prof. Carlos P. Tatel, PhD, Prof. Jesus Federico Hernandez of the CSSP Department of Linguistics and Abrera.

The conference was part of “Engkwentro: Barikada Singkwenta at Ika-500 Taon na Pagtatagpo ng Pilipinas at Espanya,” the UPD Arts and Culture Festival 2021.