Libertad Regalado Espinoza (Jipijapa, April 26, 1956) is a Numerary Member of the National Academy of History of Ecuador. She is a pedagogue, writer, and researcher. She has written books, scientific articles, and works related to history and intangible cultural manifestations of the coastal peoples of Ecuador, particularly Manabí. Her notable works include “Manabí y su comida milenaria” (Manabí and Its Ancient Cuisine, 2008-2029), “Las hebras que tejieron nuestra historia” (The Threads that Wove Our History, 2010), “Identidad e indigenismo en Manabí” (Identity and Indigenism in Manabí, 2016), “Santa Ana madre del río Grande” (Santa Ana, Mother of the Great River, 2019), and “El amorfino manifestación cutltural del pueblo montuvio” (The Amorfino, Cultural Manifestation of the Montuvio People, 2019). She has worked on various consultancies and has participated in national and international congresses. In 2020, the National Assembly of Ecuador awarded her the “Dra. Matilde Hidalgo de Prócel” decoration.
Early life
Libertad Regalado Espinoza was born on April 26, 1956, in Jipijapa. Her early life was shaped by the profound influence of her parents, Jorge Regalado and Enma Espinoza, who played significant roles in her upbringing and career choices.
Her father, Jorge Regalado, was a highly regarded teacher in the field of exact sciences. His dedication to education extended beyond the classroom as he served as a councilor and mayor in Antonio Ante Canton. Recognized for his contributions to education and community development, Jorge was honored with a bust erected in his name in Atuntaqui.
Enma Espinoza, Libertad’s mother, dedicated her life to serving the elderly. She actively participated in the “San Vicente de Paúl” Elderly Home and even founded a volunteer association bearing the same name. Enma’s unwavering commitment to community service left a lasting impression on Libertad, instilling in her a deep sense of compassion for vulnerable groups.
Growing up in a household where both parents demonstrated a passion for teaching and a commitment to serving others, Libertad’s values were deeply influenced. The combined influence of her father’s dedication to education and her mother’s commitment to community service played a pivotal role in shaping Libertad’s aspirations. It fueled her desire to become an educator and advocate for the culture and arts of Manabí, dedicating herself to preserving the rich heritage of the coastal peoples of Ecuador.
Education and teaching career
Libertad Regalado Espinoza followed in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a career as a teacher. Her father, Jorge, played a significant role in her upbringing and education. He encouraged her to strive for excellence and introduced her to literature, including the works of authors like Fyodor Dostoevsky. This upbringing influenced Libertad to become not only a school teacher but also a university professor.
Libertad Regalado Espinoza has an impressive educational background, reflecting her commitment to learning and professional growth. She holds several degrees, including diplomas in Language and Literature, a master’s degree in Business Administration, and a doctorate in Pedagogical Sciences. Her educational journey began as a Rural Teacher at the “Alfredo Pérez Guerrero” Normal School, and she later became a Professor of Media Education in Language and Literature at UTPL (Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja). Libertad earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Political Sciences from “Eloy Alfaro” Laica University in Manabí. Additionally, she obtained a Law degree and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Escuela Politécnica del Litoral. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to complete a Ph.D. in Pedagogical Sciences from the “Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz” University in Camaguey, Cuba. Throughout her career, Libertad actively participated in courses and seminars to enhance her skills and contribute to community service, further demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
Here are some highlights:
- Started her educational path as a Rural Teacher at the “Alfredo Pérez Guerrero” Normal School in San Pablo del Lago, Imbabura.
- Became a Professor of Media Education in Language and Literature at UTPL (Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja).
- Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Political Sciences from “Eloy Alfaro” Laica University in Manabí.
- Obtained a Law degree and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Escuela Politécnica del Litoral.
- Completed a Ph.D. in Pedagogical Sciences from the “Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz” University in Camaguey, Cuba.
- Participated in numerous courses and seminars to enhance her skills and contribute to community service.
Libertad Regalado’s Book and UNESCO’s Recognition of Panama Hat Weaving
Libertad Regalado Espinoza’s book, “Las hebras que tejieron nuestra historia” (The Strands that Wove Our History), focuses on the traditional craft of weaving using paja toquilla, the material used in Panama hats. Through extensive research and documentation, Regalado highlights the intricate techniques and cultural importance of Panama hat weaving. Her work significantly contributed to raising awareness about the craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with Panama hats. As a result, paja toquilla weaving was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2012.
Libertad Regalado’s Journey with Amorfinos
Amorfinos are traditional poetic expressions or verses in Ecuadorian culture. They consist of improvised rhymes and witty exchanges between two individuals, often in a humorous and flirtatious manner. Amorfinos are deeply rooted in the rural traditions of Ecuador, particularly in the coastal region.
Libertad Regalado Espinoza has a strong connection to amorfinos. She is currently involved in a research project alongside sociologist Wílmer Suárez that focuses on the cultural value of amorfinos. Their goal is to have these coastal songs, comprising over 5,000 chants, recognized as a cultural heritage of the country. The project is sponsored by the Prefectura, which is responsible for supporting the declaration process and other necessary procedures.
Through her research and dedication to preserving and promoting Ecuadorian cultural traditions, Libertad Regalado is actively contributing to the preservation and recognition of amorfinos as an important aspect of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Recognitions
- Presea Matilde Hidalgo: Conferred by the National Assembly of Ecuador in 2020.
- Recognition of Paja Toquilla Weaving: Libertad Regalado’s research on paja toquilla weaving contributed to the recognition of this traditional craft as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2012.
Videos
Works
Short stories:
- Palabras sumergidas (Universidad Laica “Eloy Alfaro” de Manabí, 1993)
Poetry
- “Evaróticas” (Year unknown)
Authored:
- “Manabí una historia de toquilla” (Year unknown)
- “Manabí y su comida milenaria” (1990)
- “Las hebras que tejieron nuestra historia” (2010)
- “Modelo educativo” (2016)
- “Amor fino, manifestación cultural del montubio” (2019)
- “Identidad e indigenismo en Manabí” (Year unknown)
- “El amorfino manifestación cultural del pueblo montuvio” (Year unknown)
Co-authored:
- Santa Ana: Madre del Río Grande (Authors: Libertad Regalado Espinoza, Wilmer Suárez Velásquez Publisher: Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal del Cantón Santa Ana, Santa Ana, Ecuador Year: 2019).
- El poder del spondylus y el ceviche de los dioses (Year unknown)
- La arqueología y la historia en el estudio de la identidad manabita (Year unknown)
Name variations
- Libertad Regalado Espinoza
- Enma Libertad Regalado de Manrique