By Mikee Natinga Norico
Attendees of the Cultural Mapping training program stand together for a group photo at Rose Memorial Auditorium, celebrating their learning experience.
Last March 13 to 18, Central Philippine University’s (CPU) College of Hospitality Management successfully conducted a comprehensive training program on Cultural Mapping: Exploring Iloilo’s Cultural Heritage. The lecture was held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, while the workshop took place at the EMC Conference Room. The event, attended by approximately 120 participants, aimed to empower second-year students in the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) program, as well as those pursuing research, with essential skills for documenting cultural heritage.
The training, organized in collaboration with the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office (PCAHTO) and the Provincial Government, aligns with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11961, also known as the “Cultural Mapping and Cultural Heritage Law.” The initiative aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of cultural mapping methodologies, raise awareness about local heritage, and establish a cultural mapping database for CPU and its surrounding communities.
From left to right: Prof. Marjoe Anacan, Ms. Christine Mariano, Prof. Mary Grace Banas, Prof. Juda El Bernabe, Dr. Myrna Luceno, Rev. Dr. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Ms. Erlyn Alunan, Prof. Ismael Almajar Jr., Dr. Shiman Giner, and Sir Bombette Golez Marin pose for a group photo following their impactful discussion and workshop at the EMC Conference Room.
The program was thoughtfully divided into various sessions, beginning with an orientation on RA 11961, led by Mr. Bombette Golez Marin, Provincial Tourism Officer. He introduced the concept of cultural mapping and its importance in preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The training also included a hands-on workshop featuring notable speakers such as Mrs. Erlyn Alunan, Tourism Officer of San Joaquin, Iloilo, and Provincial Tour Guide, who provided practical guidance on field data collection. Additionally, Rev. Dr. Francis Neil Jalando-on discussed CPU’s tangible and intangible cultural properties and history, enriching participants’ understanding of the university’s cultural heritage.
Throughout the event, attendees were encouraged to apply their newly acquired knowledge through field exercises, consolidating their findings into comprehensive reports. The collaborative effort aimed to create a database that documents and showcases the rich cultural heritage of CPU and its partner communities, fostering a deeper appreciation for local traditions.
The training program served as a vital platform for students to gain valuable insights into cultural mapping while contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Philippines’ cultural legacy. This initiative exemplifies CPU’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, particularly in the areas of cultural heritage and tourism.