The UP Asian Center will be hosting the online roundtable, "Pamigaganaka Karing Milabas: A Virtual Roundtable on the State of Kapampangan Studies in and Beyond the Philippines" on 17 August 2026, 1:30 PM, PHT, Online via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public, but signing up for a (free) Zoom account is required.
ABOUT THE ROUNDTABLE
The Kapampangan language is one of the historically significant regional languages in the Philippines, with a rich literary tradition, extensive historical documentation, and a distinctive cultural heritage. Over the years, Kapampangan Studies has developed through the contributions of historians, linguists, literary scholars, cultural workers, language advocates, and educational institutions dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of Kapampangan language and culture.
Despite these continuing efforts, Kapampangan Studies faces various challenges, including language shifts, changing educational priorities, limited institutional support, and the need to further strengthen research and academic programs devoted to regional languages and cultures. These challenges also raise important questions concerning the status of Kapampangan as a language of instruction, its vitality as a linguistic and cultural heritage, and its place within the broader field of Philippine Studies.
As an institution committed to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship on Asia and the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Asian Center recognizes the importance of regional language and cultural studies as integral components of Philippine Studies. In line with this commitment, the Center is organizing a virtual roundtable discussion that will bring together scholars, cultural practitioners, and emerging researchers engaged in Kapampangan Studies to examine the current state of the field, reflect on its historical development, and explore possibilities for its further advancement.
Bringing together established scholars, cultural practitioners, and an emerging researcher, the discussion aims to encourage an intergenerational and interdisciplinary dialogue on the development of Kapampangan Studies within and beyond the Philippines. It also seeks to identify opportunities for academic collaboration, cultural programming, research, language advocacy, and institutional partnerships.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
ARIEL T. GUTIERREZ, PH.D.
Department Chair, Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School
Dr. Ariel T. Gutierrez is a cultural mapper, lecturer, former correspondent writer for local journals, paper presenter, and poet. He completed his Master of Arts degree in 2007 and Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2012 at the Angeles University Foundation. He currently serves as Department Chair of Integrated Arts at Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School. Dr. Gutierrez is also the President of the Akademyang Kapampangan (AKKAP). He is actively engaged in the promotion and advancement of the Kapampangan language, culture, and scholarship, and has been involved in initiatives supporting the preservation and development of Kapampangan heritage.
IAN CHRISTOPHER B. ALFONSO, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, UP Department of History
Ian Christopher B. Alfonso is an Assistant Professor at the Department of History, University of the Philippines Diliman. He is a Board Member of the Philippine Historical Association and a member of the UNESCO Memory of the World Program in the Philippines. He received his Doctor of Philosophy in History and Master of Arts in History degrees from UP Diliman. His research interests are Philippine precolonial and early colonial history, the Philippine Revolution, toponymy, cultural heritage and management, animal history, and the local history of Manila Bay communities. Among his latest books are Dogs in Philippine History (2023), the Best Book Design winner and a Finalist for Best Book on History at the 42 nd National Book Awards; A History of the Sarangani Islands 1521-1921 (2023); The Burning of Macabebe (2024); and Munting Aklat ng Baybayin (2024).
MICHAEL RAYMON M. PANGILINAN
Program Director, Ágúman Sínúpan Singsing
Michael Raymon M. Pangilinan is a native Kapampángan speaker, culture-bearer, researcher, and advocate with extensive experience in Kapampángan language, history, culture, and heritage. He is a Visiting Associate Professor at the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa (ILCAA), Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and has worked as a language consultant, research coordinator, translator, and editor for international researchers. He is also a Program Director of Ágúman Sínúpan Singsing, an organization dedicated to Kapampángan cultural heritage. His research and cultural work include Kapampángan linguistics, the indigenous Kulitan script, oral traditions, archival research, and cultural heritage documentation.
JAIMEE HANNAH C. BARTE
BA Political Science Student, National University–Clark
Jaimee Hannah C. Barte is a Political Science student at National University–Clark and a Cultural Affairs Office intern at the UP Asian Center. A Kapampangan, her academic interests include Indigenous communities in Pampanga, governance, political participation, and community empowerment. She has been actively involved in political research, debate, academic and community-based initiatives, and youth leadership. Her research experience includes work on public administration, political representation, and social issues in Pampanga. Through her academic and extracurricular engagements, she brings an emerging-researcher perspective to discussions on Kapampangan identity, local communities, and Indigenous studies in Pampanga.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
The online roundtable is organized by the UP Asian Center. For inquiries, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 891-8500 loc. 3587