By Mikee Natinga Norico

Attendees of the Iloilo Youth Forum on Heritage 2025 pose for a group photo on the first day of the seminar held at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room.

In celebration of National Heritage Month, Central Philippine University (CPU) proudly hosted the Iloilo Youth Forum on Heritage Part 2 from August 6 to 8, 2025, at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room. Organized by the CPU College of Hospitality Management, the event was sponsored by the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), gathering around 50 youth leaders and student representatives from across Iloilo to engage in cultural heritage education and advocacy.

Student delegates came from West Visayas State University (WVSU) – Main Campus, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo Campus, and the CPU College of Hospitality Management. Also present were representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Carles and Tigbauan. The three-day immersive forum aimed to inspire and empower the youth to actively contribute to the preservation of the country’s rich cultural legacy through hands-on training, legal discussions, and community engagement.

Prof. Ismael A. Almajar Jr., CHM faculty and SIAP Coordinator, officially welcomed the participants during the opening program, emphasizing CPU’s commitment to heritage promotion and youth development.

On August 6, Mr. Lester “Buji” Babiera, a content creator, guided student delegates through a discussion and workshop on using digital platforms to promote cultural heritage.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Cultural Mapping Consultant Mr. John Delan L. Robillos led the technical sessions on the opening day, presenting three key topics: Understanding Cultural Heritage, Cultural Heritage Protection: Navigating Legal Landscapes, and Reopening the Heritage Lens Through Cultural Mapping. It was followed by Mr. Lester “Buji” Babiera, a content creator, who delivered a talk entitled Ikaw Mismo, Turismo with an interactive workshop.

On the second day, August 7, students conducted onsite fieldwork around the CPU campus under the mentorship of Mr. Robillos. They gathered data, practiced cultural mapping techniques, and participated in encoding and critiquing sessions to analyze their findings. Mr. Babiera returned to facilitate a focused discussion on video editing, highlighting the importance of audience engagement in promoting heritage through digital platforms.

Today, August 8, participants are finalizing their video outputs and presentations, which will be showcased during the culminating program. Awards for Best Output and Best Video are expected to be announced during the closing ceremony, along with the distribution of certificates to all participants.

On August 7, NCCA Cultural Mapping Consultant Mr. John Delan L. Robillos engaged youth participants in an in-depth session on understanding cultural heritage.

The Iloilo Youth Forum on Heritage 2025 served not only as an educational platform but also as a call to action for the younger generation to become stewards of Filipino culture. It highlighted key legislation such as Republic Act No. 10066 or the Heritage Law, and Republic Act No. 11961 or the Cultural Mapping Law—underscoring the vital role of youth in safeguarding cultural identity.

With continued collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and cultural organizations, the forum successfully fostered a sense of pride, identity, and advocacy among young leaders—equipping them with the tools and knowledge to champion cultural preservation in their respective communities.