Mariano Goyena Del Prado

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗢 𝗚𝗢𝗬𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗢:
𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗡𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗥, 𝟭𝟴𝟴𝟴-𝟭𝟵𝟲𝟵
by Paolo P. Peñaranda

Today, we commemorate the life and works of Mariano Goyena del Prado (May 8, 1888 - February 15, 1969) — Bikolnon writer, teacher, historian, and ethnologist whose woven words contributed to the formation of the sui generis Bikol history.

Goyena hailed from Sabang, Legazpi, Albay. In 1910, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree at the Ateneo de Manila. He became a member of the Philippine Historical Commission during his time. He solidified his mark as one of the pioneers of Bikol history's flourishing quest.

Recognized by Philippine ethnic architecture expert Rodrigo D. Perez III as a legitimate authority on Bikolnon literature, folklore and history, Del Prado used his mastery, eloquence and creativity in telling diverse narratives of places and peoples in the Bicol Region. His writings explore the historical, literary, and socio-economic margins of these narratives. This made his works significant in seeing the region as a unique terrain.

Traces of Goyena's writings on the important dates and events in Bikol history were visible as early as the 1920s. In 1941, he released his notable work Ibalon: Monografia Historica de la Region Bikolana. This account covers various relevant matters on the early landscape of Bicolandia—origins of places and names, folktales, social practices, political structures, and local histories. The account is also considered a pioneers work in local history that made use of both primary and secondary sources for the comprehensiveness of its content. This work also provided a window for readers who are interested to learn more about Goyena's home province, Albay. In 1981, an updated and translated version of the book was published—making its narration closer to the readers.

Del Prado also wrote literary pieces such as Hare… Dai, El Volcan Mayong de Albay (1949), and The Mysterious Cadlum Essence. Del Prado, a prolific writer, is known for his poetic and narrative styles which are also recognized by his contemporaries and newer waves of local historical and literary storytellers.

Goyena also contributed in making works of Philippine history accessible to the Bikolnon masses. He made this possible through his translation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. He also translated some of Rizal's poems and nationalist politician Claro M. Recto's works.

Consequently, Mariano Goyena del Prado's unparalleled contributions made the experience of local histories nuanced for both Bikolnon and non-Bikolnon readers. This legacy illumines the direction of national history devoted to the facets of local historical consciousness.

References

Almario, V.S. Sansiglong Mahigit ng Makabagong Tula sa Filipinas. Anvil Publishing, 2006.

Asuncion, R.J.A. (2021). An Mga Parasaysay: Reappreciating Some Historical Works of Elias Ataviado and Mariano Goyena del Prado. Saysay Bikol. Link: https://fb.watch/b8uilSeURT/ (Accessed: February 13, 2022).

Del Prado. M.G. 1981. Ibalon: Ethnohistory of the Bikol Region. Legazpi City: AMS Press (Translated into English by Maria Lilia F. Realubit).

Sarabihon: A Journal of Sorsogon Studies (Vol.7). Sorsogon City: Sorsogon Heritage Society (Compilation Coverage: 2008-2010).

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