Inorogan in Iriga City: A Toponymic Journey through Language and Literature

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the etymology and historical origins of the name Inorogan, identify its descriptions and historical aspects in related works, analyze the reflections evident in the culture, language, and faith of the people, and develop a contextualized learning material. The research was anchored on the Toponymic Theory, Historical Theory, and Social Constructivism Theory.
Method: The researcher employed a qualitative research design through documentary analysis, interviews, and examination of legends, oral narratives, and other local sources. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that the name Inorogan originated from the Bikol word orog, meaning chosen or blessed. Legends, narratives, and historical records also showed that Inorogan is a sacred place and an important symbol of the culture, faith, and collective identity of the people of Iriga. The findings further revealed that culture, language, and faith are interconnected in preserving the identity of the community. Consequently, the researcher developed “Pinaorog: A Filipino 7 Learning Workbook (A Journey Through Language and Literature)” as a contextualized learning material.
Discussion and Conclusion: The study establishes that Inorogan is more than merely a place name; it is an important repository of history, culture, language, and faith. It also demonstrates the significance of local cultural heritage in preserving community identity and fostering meaningful and contextualized learning.

Inorogan, toponymy, etymology, history, culture, faith, language, Iriga City, cultural heritage, learning material

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