Abstract
This study examined the historical narratives of Gat Uban as reflected in documented oral accounts and existing cultural records, with the aim of providing a foundation for the development of a localized cultural heritage curriculum. Oral tradition is recognized as a significant mechanism for sustaining historical memory, where shared narratives, rituals, and lived experiences function as vital carriers of identity and history. While these narratives are often rooted in indigenous contexts, this study focused on their documented and recorded forms as preserved in existing literature and cultural documentation. The study further addresses the ambiguity surrounding Gat Uban’s identity, particularly in relation to his representation in both Tagalog folklore and various documented narratives associated with local cultural traditions. Through a critical examination of these sources, the research sought to determine whether Gat Uban represents a shared cultural figure across traditions or embodies a distinct identity shaped by specific historical and cultural contexts. Employing a qualitative-descriptive research design, the study utilized document analysis as its primary method, complemented by key informant interviews with cultural researchers, local historians, and documenters who have engaged in prior cultural documentation. These sources provide insights into how narratives concerning Gat Uban have been recorded, interpreted, and transmitted across generations. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring patterns, meanings, and cultural themes within the collected data. The findings revealed that documented oral narratives associated with Gat Uban contain recurring themes related to historical memory, communal identity, cultural transmission, rituals and symbols, and collective remembrance. It further revealed that documented narratives and cultural records contribute significantly to the preservation of local cultural identity, historical consciousness, and cultural continuity within the community of Mauban, Quezon. Moreover, the findings emphasized the important role of oral narratives, cultural agents, historical records, and community-based traditions in transmitting cultural knowledge and preserving local heritage across generations. It also highlighted the educational value of integrating documented narratives and local cultural materials into a Cultural Heritage Education Curriculum Resource Guide to promote cultural awareness, appreciation, and contextualized learning among students.
Keywords: cultural heritage curriculum development, documented oral narratives, cultural memory, local historiography, cultural documentation, Gat Uban
https://doi.org/10.65494/pinagpalapublishing.355
