Beyond the Arch: Narratives about Malagonlong Bridge

This study explored the narratives about the Malagonlong Bridge and examined the meanings they convey within the local community of Tayabas City, Quezon. It focused on understanding how these narratives shape cultural identity and collective memory and served as a basis for developing a historical narrative video output for heritage preservation. The study identified the narratives about the Malagonlong Bridge, determined how these narratives influence the lives of the local community, and proposed a narrative-based video output grounded in the findings. A qualitative research design using narrative inquiry was employed. Participants were purposively selected and included long-time residents, local historians, cultural workers, tourism officers, and selected teachers and students from selected barangays in Tayabas City. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, supported by non-participant observation and photographic documentation. The collected data were transcribed, translated when necessary, and analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework, with the aid of NVivo software. Member checking and ethical procedures were observed to ensure credibility and trustworthiness. The findings revealed that narratives about the Malagonlong Bridge are shaped by supernatural beliefs, historical accounts, and lived experiences. These narratives influence the community by supporting education and cultural preservation, enhancing tourism and economic opportunities, and strengthening identity, pride, and belonging. Based on these findings, a historical narrative video entitled “Tulay ng Panahon: Mga Kuwento ng Malagonlong” was developed to promote and preserve the cultural significance of the bridge. The study concludes that narratives play a central role in shaping and sustaining cultural heritage and that preservation efforts must integrate both tangible and intangible elements through active community participation. It is recommended that stakeholders implement community-based heritage programs, integrate local narratives into education, develop digital archives, and promote intergenerational storytelling and further research on narrative-based preservation.