The familiar squeak of a marker as it touches the whiteboard, discussions of culture, and shared laughter in the name of knowledge filled the halls of the Quezon City Public Library. In the midst of the room, a golden web continued to weave—every string intertwined with the appreciation for those who came before us.
The Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers launched its first-ever workshop on learning and writing Baybayin, entitled “Sulat at Diwa: A Baybayin Workshop,” on August 23, 2025, held at the Quezon City Public Library in collaboration with the institution. After the success of the first session, the team organized a second workshop a week later, on August 30, 2025, in the same venue.
Baybayin, a Philippine writing system that originated in the pre-colonial era, embodies the essence of our ancestors’ communication. The word “Baybayin” literally translates to “to spell” or “to write,” but it may also mean “where the sand meets the sea.” It was once used everywhere—government records, personal notes, and literature all carried its wave-inspired symbols. The script is so deeply rooted in pre-colonial Filipino culture that its influence still ripples through our modern society today.
The workshop was led by Ms. Russel Irene L. Lagunsad, a PhD candidate in Philippine Studies at UP Diliman, who also teaches at Notre Dame of Greater Manila. She has received numerous awards for her ongoing contributions to promoting and preserving Baybayin.
Throughout the sessions, Ms. Lagunsad guided participants in understanding the fundamentals of Baybayin writing—breaking each symbol down to its simplest form, each stroke mirroring the waves that inspired it. Participants learned the corresponding sounds of the symbols, sounds that still echo in the Filipino language today. Students were encouraged to actively engage in the discussions and hands-on activities, bridging history with creativity.
Learning about our history not only expands what we already know but also deepens our understanding of who we are. Now more than ever, Filipino pride must continue to blaze within our hearts—so that the archipelago may glow with the same golden web of heritage that shone in that small room at the Quezon City Public Library.
