Bicol professor preserves region's musical heritage through folk song compilation

LEGAZPI CITY — Ramil "Plok" Chavenia, a 59-year-old college professor and musician, unveiled his latest project on Saturday, a book compiling choral arrangements of obscure folk songs from the Bicol region. The publication represents the culmination of a decade-long effort to identify, document, and arrange traditional melodies that have largely faded from popular memory.

Chavenia's initiative addresses growing concerns about the erosion of regional musical heritage as younger generations gravitate toward contemporary genres. By organizing these traditional pieces into accessible choral formats, the professor aims to make Bicolano folk music more appealing to modern audiences while ensuring these compositions survive for future generations.

The book launch marked a significant milestone in Chavenia's dual career spanning both academia and music performance. His work underscores the vital role educational institutions and individual practitioners play in cultural preservation across South and Southeast Asia, where indigenous musical traditions face pressures from globalization and demographic shifts.

The compilation is expected to serve as both a reference resource for musicians and educators, and a practical tool for schools and cultural organizations seeking to incorporate authentic regional music into their programs.