UST, BukSU team up for heritage mapping project

MALAYBALAY CITY (IPS) The University of Sto. Tomas, through its Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (CCCPET) has worked with Bukidnon State University, through the College of Arts and Sciences, for a Cultural Heritage Mapping (CHM) Project starting March 2019.

The project aims to establish baseline documentation of intangible and tangible cultural heritage in the province of Bukidnon and determine the connectivity of this heritage to other fields and create the narratives for conservation and development, according to a copy of the memorandum of agreement between the two universities.

Another aim of the project is to develop awareness and appreciation on the nature, significance and application of local history and cultural heritage mapping to instruction, research and extension.

The project also sought to develop cultural heritage appreciation and sensitivity among stakeholders and communities in the province.

Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, CAS Dean, said the project also aims to ensure continuity of cultural heritage mapping by assisting local government units to establish and maintain a local cultural property registry.

Project organizers scheduled the Opening Program on April 10, 2019 through a Bukidnon ritual known as the “Pamuhat” to seek blessings from the spirits for the success of this project. On the same day, Professor Eric B. Zerrudo, the Project Director was scheduled to spearhead the launching and orientation of the CHM project.

The project consists of four modules with the first on Heritage in Developing Economies scheduled in April 2019.

The rest of the modules will be conducted between April to October 2019.

The training-workshop is one of the recommendations of the CHED technical panel, in relation to the College of Arts and Sciences’ application for the Center of Development and Center of Excellence.

The two parties also agreed to comply with all applicable laws and undertake obligations based on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

BukSU heads the implementation of the training program, coordinate with the local government units of Bukidnon for partnership, provide funds for the payment of the management fee and professional fees; and provide funds for the accommodation, meals, transportation and other training needs.

The UST shall provide a training design, processes and content of the training program to be approved by BukSU and the intellectual property rights jointly belonged to UST and BuKSU, provide resource speakers and facilitators to conduct the training program, provide a secretariat responsible for maintaining records.

Both parties will also monitor the implementation of the Cultural Heritage Mapping Training Program. (IPS with a report from Ms. Angel R. Ucat/ CAS-Social Sciences Department)

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