Public school learners in Mandaue City will soon learn more about local Cebuano dances, their origins, and dance steps.
A book on Cebuano dances produced by the Casa Gorordo Museum (CGM) is now fully integrated into the Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division curriculum. Entitled “Sayaw Sugbo,” the book features 10 local Cebuano dances along with their cultural background, musical annotations, and costumes. Sayaw Sugbo is authored by dance researcher Prof. Cesar Nimor and the late Prof. Mila Catelo-Janson. The book was published by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. on September 21, 2018.
This partnership between CGM and DepEd Mandaue City aims to test the viability and relevance of the book in the curriculum and to promote Cebuano dances among the youth. The partnership likewise seeks to enhance the knowledge of Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) and non-MAPEH teachers on local dances through dance execution and resource materials to supplement their lessons.
CGM kicked off the partnership with a dance workshop from March 11, 18, and 25 with MAPE and non-MAPEH teachers from DepEd Mandaue City Division. Teachers found themselves dancing the local dances referenced in the book and studied each dance deeply. Teachers must apply their newfound understanding of Cebuano dances in their respective classrooms.
“We are deeply grateful to have found a partner with the DepEd Mandaue City Division in preserving and promoting Cebuano culture. This step of integrating Sayaw Sugbu into the DepEd curriculum will help raise awareness and appreciation of Cebuano dances among the youth,” said CGM Curator Florencio Moreño II.
Casa Gorordo Museum is the centerpiece project of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.’s (RAFI) Culture & Heritage focus area. The Culture & Heritage Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-CHU) through its three flagship programs – Casa Gorordo Museum, Research & Publications, and Gabii Sa Kabilin – aims to develop a strong sense of cultural identity among local communities by promoting awareness of their heritage and enabling them to articulate their stories.