Tracing the Legends and Local Narratives of Places in the City of Meycauayan: A Documentary Analysis as a Preliminary Basis for the Development of Localized Instructional Materials in Filipino

Abstract

This study examined 19 legends and local narratives concerning the origins and identities of places in the City of Meycauayan. The researchers employed qualitative document analysis and descriptive content analysis. Each text was entered into a corpus analysis matrix and examined according to the origin of the place name, narrative form, themes, values, indications of livelihood and environmental conditions, language patterns, and statements requiring historical verification. The findings showed that nine of the 19 texts (47.4%) were primarily associated with the environment, flora, or geography. Five texts (26.3%) were linked to individuals, groups, or historical and religious memory; two texts each (10.5%) were associated with livelihood or material culture and with social customs or place-based identity; and one text (5.3%) offered no clear explanation for the origin of its name. Recurring themes included place identity, the relationship between people and the environment, livelihood, faith, struggle, unity, and resilience. The texts in the corpus also differed in form. Some legends followed a clearly defined plot, whereas many combined folk etymologies with brief accounts of local history. Based on these findings and the competencies prescribed in the revised Grade 7 Filipino curriculum, the study developed a framework for localized instructional materials. However, the proposed framework remains preliminary and must undergo copyright review, historical and cultural validation, and separate pilot testing before it can be used as a finalized instructional resource.