VP Jocson examines changing narratives of Filipino heroism in 2nd lecture as PUP professorial chairholder in literature ed
Philippine Normal University (PNU) Vice President for Academics and RCTQ Director Dr. Jennie Jocson delivered her second lecture as Professorial Chairholder in Literature Education 
of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) during a virtual session attended by literature teachers and students last 21 February 2023.
In her lecture entitled “The Changing Narratives of a Filipino Hero and Why They Matter to Post Pandemic Literature,” Dr. Jocson touched on Filipino perspectives of heroism, and how they inform stories we tell in post-pandemic setting and the study of literature.
“While there are several attempts to define heroism, the definitions are either too academic, too structured or both. In the academic setting, the term is used as both input and output to mean an exploration of its meaning and intended outcomes,” said Dr. Jocson in her introduction. “This discussion aims to provide a depiction of the changes that happens to an ordinary Filipino and why heroism matters.”
In his welcome remarks, PUP Dean of College of Arts and Letters Dr. Romeo P. Peña said he hoped that after the lecture, participants could develop “a deeper appreciation for the complexities of hero narratives and their significance in shaping our cultural identity and literary landscape.”
“Over the years, the story of our heroes has been retold and reimagined in various ways as we continue to evolve and adapt as a society. The narratives that once defined our heroes have also shifted to reflect our changing values and beliefs. In the light of the pandemic, it is timely to examine how our perspectives on heroism and hero narratives have been affected,” Dr. Peña said.
Dr. Jocson, who is also the president of the Literature Educators Association of the Philippines (LEAP), was honored as PUP’s new Professorial Chairholder in Literature Education on 8 July 2021 where she also delivered her first professional lecture.
Professorial Chair is a title used in academic institutions to denote a position of dignity, peer recognition and prestige. It is awarded to an individual in recognition of his/her academic excellence and meritorious service in a specific field of teaching and research.
Watch Dr. Jocson’s full lecture below.
https://www.rctq.ph/?p=4115NewsPhilippine Normal University,Professional Chair
