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ABSTRACT

This paper highlights the vibrant and diverse world of Minasbate literature, which has never been given enough attention to be explored by research enthusiasts and scholars alike. Through the use of qualitative research methods, this study aims to discover the intricacies of Minasbate poetry, with the goals of uncovering its recurring themes, linguistic elements and poetic devices present in Minasbate poetry. This also gears at understanding how these poems can help preserve and promote regional identity and cultural survival. At the heart of Minasbate poetry lies recurring patterns of emotions, culture and values. These themes woven along poetic tapestries offer a lens of understanding how shared human experience transcends geographical locations and cultural differences. Altogether, these elements showcase structures in creating poetic language that is evocative and deeply rooted in regional contexts, eventually leading to cultural preservation and survival. Overall, the findings of this study may offer rich insights to ELT teachers across the globe, thereby promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in their pedagogical practices. Further research on the interdependence of regional poetry is hereby advised to ensure a robust identity of Filipino culture and literature.

KEYWORDS: Philology, poetry, themes, literary devices, cultural identity

Introduction

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, pulsates with a vibrant tapestry of languages, traditions and cultures. This archipelagic landscape provides the country with an abundance of repertoire in literature and poetry distinct to each and every region or province (Diaz, 2022). Within this diverse landscape lies Masbate, a province nestled in the Bicol Region, known for its rich fishing heritage and unique cultural expressions. This context provides a multitude of Philippine literature published internationally. The fact that these authors are more well-known among readers from other countries than they are among Filipinos themselves is, however, the source of the paradox (Martin, 2008). Limited access to regional literature and inadequate promotion could be among the possible causes why Minasbate poetry is inaccessible to the Filipino masses (Arbo & Benneworth, 2007). If given appropriate avenue, literature can help preserve Mabateño culture and Filipino culture as they resonate cultural values, morals and ethical principles (Estremera, 2021). Poetry can also potentially serve as a repository of values, beliefs, tradition and culture as these poems may serve as medium of cultural...

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