The University of Antique (UA), the sole state university in the province, is set to launch a Kinaray-a Center to enhance students’ access to literature and manuscripts about Antique. UA President Pablo Crespo Jr. announced that preparations for funding and organizational setup are underway, with the center expected to open in 2025. The center will focus on Kinaray-a studies and the rich history of Antique, serving as a resource for students, faculty, researchers, and historians interested in preserving the region’s culture and language.
The initiative was inspired by Senator Loren Legarda, who proposed the idea to UA, recognizing the university’s unique position in the province. Further motivation came from National Artist Virgilio Almario, who recently launched his book ‘Lemlunay’ at UA. The book, which translates to ‘paradise’ in T’boli, was released in Filipino with an English translation and aims to encourage deeper research into Philippine history, including that of Antique.
Almario emphasized the importance of understanding national history to foster patriotism and highlighted the need for more research and publication of historical facts. The launch of ‘Lemlunay’ was supported by Legarda and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote cultural and historical awareness.