TO CELEBRATE National Heritage Month, the Mariano Marcos State University promoted Ilokano heritage through its public lecture series.

The university’s Center of Iloko and Amianan Studies conducted an online public lecture series to promote Ilokano heritage and to give space to Ilokano language-mediated discourse in the university’s activities.

Dr. Aurelio S. Agcaoili, a professor at the University of Hawaii-Manoa and visiting professor of MMSU Graduate School, delivered a lecture on Panagragpat iti Nangato nga Ilokano: Istretegia ken Praktis.

His lecture revolved around the call to integrate the Ilokano language in the academe, public services, research, publications, and relevant heritage conservation activities.

Meanwhile, Melver Ritz Gomez, instructor of MMSU College of Arts and Sciences and an award-winning film maker, discussed Akem ti Pelikula iti Panangsalimetmet kadagiti Tawid ti Puli. The lecture tackled the role of film in documenting and preserving the Ilokano heritage.

Meanwhile, two language and culture enthusiasts talked about oral traditions of Ilokanos and Pangasinense.