2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 18
Available Online: 31 July 2026
Author/s:
De Mesa, Alvin Rom
Leyte Normal University, Philippines (ar_demesa@ymail.com)
Abstract:
The province of Leyte, one of the three major islands in Region VIII, is widely recognized for its rich cultural heritage and deeply rooted traditions. Among these, the Sta. Cruzan remains a significant religious and cultural practice, particularly among Catholic communities. Despite its religious origins, the celebration has also drawn participants from other faiths, owing to its capacity to foster communal joy and intergenerational engagement. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns arose regarding the continuity of traditional practices. Thus, this study sought to examine the continued relevance and significance of Sta. Cruzan in various barangays across the province of Leyte. Specifically, the study aimed to: 1) determine the perceptions of Leyteños toward the celebration of Sta. Cruzan; 2) identify the preparations undertaken in observance of the tradition; and 3) explore the values manifested by the people of Leyte during the month-long celebration in May. Using a qualitative-descriptive research design with purposive sampling, data were gathered through interviews and observations from selected participants across different barangays in Leyte. The findings revealed three key themes. First, the month-long observance of Sta. Cruzan strengthens family solidarity and community cohesion. Second, participation is considered a familial obligation, with family members expected to join the daily processions and, when possible, serve as “torno,” or host families responsible for providing food and hospitality to participants. Third, preparations begin well before May, as youth organizations conduct meetings, create lanterns, and coordinate with families assigned as “torno” to ensure the orderly implementation of activities. The results indicate that Sta. Cruzan continues to be an integral part of Leyteño culture, serving not only as a religious devotion but also as a mechanism for preserving tradition, strengthening social bonds, and promoting cultural identity in the post-pandemic context.
Keywords: Sta. Cruzan, Leyte culture, Filipino traditions, religious practices, cultural heritage, family solidarity, post-pandemic traditions, Region VIII
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26360
Cite this article:
De Mesa, A. R. (2026). Sta. Cruzan sa probinsiya ng Leyte: Pagsiyasat sa kahalagahan nito bilang kaugalian ng mga Pilipino. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(18), 199-216. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26360