Baybayin Workshop Marks National Arts Month in Lisbon
Philippine Embassy officers with the participants of the workshop showing the handsign of the letter “ba” in Baybayin writing.
Lisbon, 21 February 2026 – In celebration of National Arts Month, the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon organized a Baybayin Workshop for parents and children, designed to showcase Philippine artistic heritage while fostering creative expression and cultural awareness.
Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes noted that, contrary to the common misconception that early Filipinos were illiterate, pre-colonial Filipinos already had their own writing system, the Baybayin, reflecting a sophisticated and vibrant culture. He emphasized that ongoing research by historians and scholars has deepened understanding of the lives, knowledge systems, and literacy of Filipinos before Spanish colonization, making the preservation and practice of Baybayin a meaningful form of cultural arts education.
The workshop offered participants both knowledge and hands-on practice. In the first segment, they learned the origins, structure, and historical significance of Baybayin, while the second segment allowed them to apply this knowledge creatively. Each participant was given the opportunity to create their own art pieces, incorporating Baybayin into thematic projects on maritime culture, gender equality, and environmental stewardship. This approach not only nurtured artistic skills but also encouraged reflection on contemporary social and ecological issues, demonstrating how traditional arts can inspire meaningful storytelling and civic consciousness.
“Baybayin is part of our heritage. We must pass it on to the next generation,” said UP Assistant Professor Ron Jay Dangcalan, who conducted the workshop. He further underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the indigenous writing system. He also expressed hope that future workshops, including advanced Baybayin calligraphy sessions, would further deepen appreciation and mastery of the script.
Filipino Community President Leilani Cuyos highlighted the importance of reclaiming and sharing the Philippine narrative, noting that understanding history, heritage, and contributions through research and community initiatives strengthens pride in Filipino identity and underscores the significance of the Embassy and Professor Dangcalan’s efforts in fostering this awareness.
The Baybayin Workshop is part of the Embassy’s cultural exchange program commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Philippines-Portugal Diplomatic Relations. It allowed participants to actively engage with Baybayin, an indigenous writing system that is both historically significant and visually expressive, and to create art pieces exploring maritime, gender, and environmental themes. By combining hands-on practice with cultural learning, the workshop connected traditional arts to contemporary creativity while fostering appreciation of Philippine heritage. END
Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes delivering his welcome speech.
Professor Ron Jay Dangcalan giving a brief history of the Baybayin art of writing.
Samples of writing of participants during the writing exercises.