Book Revisits Argao’s History, Culture

Have you ever wondered how life was in the southern town of Argao during the pre-Hispanic period? Or what the origin is behind its famous delicacy? Do you want to know the stories behind details found in the San Miguel Arcangel church?

The book entitled Argao In Search of a Usable Past by Paul Gerschwiler attempts to take a look at how Argao and the Argawanons were in the past—the life and the culture back then.

Published by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) through its Culture & Historical Unit (CHU), the book is a fulfilment of RAFI-CHU’s mission to implement initiatives that will serve as an instrument in preserving local culture and heritage, and to make the people of the present generation, especially the youth, understand and appreciate history, culture and heritage and their role in the development of the nation.

“We want to play an important role in educating the community about history and translating this knowledge to developing a sense of pride as Cebuanos,” said RAFI president Roberto Aboitiz.

Aboitiz added that by publishing the book, they want to be able to make Cebuanos, not only Argawanons, be able to tell their story as a people and be proud of their roots.

The book, which also contains beautiful photos of Argao and its people then and now, is indexed for easy reference.

During its launching last 07 October 2015, copies of the book were turned over to officials from the Cebu Provincial Government, Municipality of Argao, and the Department of Education.

The book launching serves as a kickoff of the reopening of Casa Gorordo Museum, a centrepiece project of RAFI, on Dec. 15, 2015.

Culture & Heritage is one focus area of RAFI, believing that a confident community begins with a strong sense of identity. Its other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.