Poetry is a form of art and literature characterized by its diverse forms and stylistic variations. A poem is easily

distinguished by its structure, often adhering to a particular rhythmic or sound pattern at the end of each line. It

is composed of stanzas and verses, typically consisting of eight, twelve, sixteen, or twenty-four syllables. This

study sought to examine the lines and expressions within selected poems that embody the theme of peace. This

section of the paper discusses the statements in each poem that highlight the theme of peace. The study aimed

to determine the various methods and techniques employed by poets in articulating the theme of peace in their

Poetry is a form of art and literature characterized by its diverse forms and styles, distinguished by the free use

of carefully chosen, appropriate, and aesthetically pleasing words that create a lasting impression on the

discerning mind of the reader. A poem is easily recognizable, as it typically follows a specific pattern or

structure in the pronunciation of the final words. It is composed of stanzas and lines, commonly containing

eight, twelve, sixteen, or twenty-four syllables. Poems often employ figurative language and adhere to rhyme

and meter, and they may vary in length, being either short or extended.

Literary writers, particularly poets, frequently utilize indirect or implicit expressions imbued with figurative

meaning. Poets employ words that are uncommon in everyday speech but carry profound significance, thereby

artistic and figurative manner.

This section examines, analyzes, and interprets the methods of expressing the theme of peace in Ludabi poems.

The study employed a qualitative research design. A descriptive analysis approach was utilized in examining

Ludabi poetry, based on the explanations of Sevilla (1992) and Aban (1998) as cited in Santos and Magracia

(2014). The researcher gathered essential information on Bisaya poetry from a distinguished organization,

Ludabi, which served as the primary source of the poems analyzed in this study. This allowed for an

examination of how Ludabi poets value the aspect of peace in their works.

Using content analysis, the Ludabi poems—or their Bisaya drafts/manuscripts—featuring the theme of peace

were carefully examined. The analysis focused on identifying and interpreting the methods and techniques

of peace in a more creative and impactful manner.

Various styles are employed to artistically convey and emphasize the aesthetic value of each poetic work. In

the field of literature, a writer’s skill is often measured by their ability to use figurative language that conceals

the literal meaning of their text; thus, careful attention must be given to these elements in every poem

(Bernales et al., 2013).

The following are the methods of artistic expression embedded in each poem:

Evidence: “Nagbadlong sa gagmayng balod nga mihalok sa baybayon”

such beauty can serve as a powerful remedy, inducing inner healing, which fosters calmness in the mind,

emotions, and heart.

“Kauswagan” by Seth Salcedo

Evidence: “Nagsungkod kauswagang mangiob”

Explanation: In this line, the concept of progress or development is personified, described as leaning on a stick

slow or weak. Effective governance serves as the primary foundation for positive peace, which, according to

the negative conception of peace, is difficult to achieve and may lead to conflict. The imagery of the leaning

figure conveys vulnerability or weakness, symbolizing a place lacking progress and prosperity due to violence.

From the perspective of positive peace, all individuals can only live peacefully in a society characterized by

justice and the absence of structural and cultural vilence.

“Tuaw” by Gabriela M.

Evidence: “Dili matukib ang kasubo, Ning kasing-kasing nagbakho”

Explanation: In this line, the heart is personified through the use of verbs typically applied to humans, as

emphasized here reflects the concept of negative peace. The community is depicted as overwhelmed with

sorrow, shrouded in fear, suffering, despair, and anxiety due to the ruthless violation of individual rights. The

poem serves as a plea, aiming to move the hearts of those responsible for the destruction of the nation and

humanity.

Evidence: “Nakita ko nga mipahiyom ang panganod luyo sa iyang dag-om, Ug nahulog ang giugom niyang

Evidence: “May nagaawit nga ginganlag antolihaw”

Explanation: In this line, the antolihaw bird is personified as singing. Its song reflects the vibrant rhythm of

peace after war. Singing symbolizes a form of remembrance and acknowledgment that life continues despite

adversity. Even amid difficulties, there is an effort to remain joyful and hopeful in attaining true happiness and

“Lumalabay Lamang” by Fidel T. Pepito PSK

Evidence: “Maoy atong ipasuwabi ang kabililhon sa atong gawi, Nagdto sa atong isikaingon kay mao kanay

bugtong gasa nga hinatag sa langit”

Explanation: In this line, the sky is personified as the giver of a unique blessing. The poem conveys that the

admirable qualities of individuals are gifts bestowed by the Creator. Life is artistically expressed as transient,

Explanation: In this line, the name or designation replaces the reference to the wrinkled hands of the elderly.

The pursuit of peace does not age, even when the mind and body grow weary; a sincere heart remains vibrant

in its singular aspiration to attain tranquility and progress.

Evidence: “Mga bala nagsiga-siga, mga alaot biktima!”

Explanation: Here, the term for bullets substitutes for guns that are firing. The poem depicts direct violence,

vividly illustrating how innocent civilians lose their lives. Its purpose is to remind readers of the fragility of

Evidence: “Usa ka anghel mikunsad”

above structural violence where severe poverty and hunger are prevalent.

Explanation: In this line, joy is represented by the act of dancing. It signals a time when conflict subsides,

Evidence: “Tidlom sa kahulogan sa balaanong mga Pulong”

person who consistently advocates for peace (a pacifist) resists chaos and war at all times, opposing the use of

arms as a matter of conscience or religious belief.

Evidence (2): “Sanglit ulipon ako sa hugot kung pagtuo”

Explanation: In this line, the term “faithful” is replaced by “slave,” such that instead of saying “faithful to

the people in God. The Bible is depicted as their guide and source of hope, as it contains the promises of God

and must continue to trust in God, who alone provides the courage to face life’s challenges.

Evidence: “Mga dyablo naghudyaka sa tumang kasadya”

Explanation: In this line, the term for “evil people” is replaced with “devils” (dyablo). The poet artfully

compares oppressive individuals to wicked devils or demons, as both share the same purpose: to bring

Evidence: “Usa ka binhi gasa sa kinabuhi”

Explanation: In this line, the term “child” or “infant” is replaced with “seed.” The poet artistically compares a

seed to human life, emphasizing that life, like a seed, must be nurtured in order to flourish. The poem reminds

Evidence: “Siya ug Ako sa kangitngit, Bisan nagsukarap ay nanag-awit”

“sang.” The poet artistically depicts the hope experienced by citizens facing oppression and violence—whether

direct, cultural, or structural. The poem encourages readers to recognize the importance of courage and

resilience in the face of challenges. As long as people remain united, any difficulty can be made lighter.

Explanation: In this line, the Philippine flag is represented by its colors—blue, yellow, and red—without

directly mentioning the “Philippine flag.” The poet artfully conveys that the flag symbolizes unity and respect,

Explanation: In this line, a person’s sorrowful cry is expressed, yet the term “person” is not directly stated;

Evidence (1): “Kasingkasing magmalipayon”

Explanation: Here, a person’s happiness is conveyed, but the term “person” is replaced with “heart,”

Explanation: In this line, the extinguishing of a candle is an idiom representing the loss of life. The poet

artistically depicts the abrupt end of a life, symbolizing direct violence. The life of a person is likened to a

Evidence (2): “Kon iduko palang sa yuta, mga kasilag ug kaguyot”

Evidence: “Talikdan, yutang natawhan, walay balikan”

portrays the departure of people from their homeland due to the direct violence they have experienced. The

Evidence (1): “Lugitom sa kaitom”

Explanation: In this line, the syllable “tom” is repeated twice in adjacent words. “Lugitom sa kaitom” is an

allusive expression symbolizing mourning and grief caused by witnessing violence. The poet uses the

alliteration to intensify the emotional weight of suffering experienced by the community.

through harmonious collaboration among people within a group. The poem suggests that peace is attainable

Evidence: “Usa ka hinungdan, pagtuman sa kausaban, bahalag si kinsa matumban, mao’y angayan timanan”