Part of the academic requirements of the students, this service-learning project was spearheaded by Sikhay Studios of class 3TOM5 in collaboration with the UST Sentro Turismo, the UST Simbahayan ��ɫ Development Office, and Intenzyc. The forum featured a series of enriching activities, including a Rattan Culture Seminar and Workshop facilitated by the Echague Rattan Weavers Association, a Marketing and Entrepreneurship Seminar led by Mr. John Jerick C. Santos, and a Contemporary Dance Workshop conducted by Intenzyc.

Municipal Tourism and Cultural Arts Officer Mr. Louie Simbi underscored the significance of preserving local traditions such as rattan weaving, highlighting its potential to establish Echague as the weaving capital of the Philippines. “Our traditions are the foundation of our identity,” Simbi remarked. “By passing these skills to the next generation, we not only preserve our culture but also create opportunities for economic growth.”

The hands-on rattan weaving experience led by Ms. Sally Montalban of the Echague Rattan Weavers Association was an interactive workshop that allowed 21 senior high school students from Doña Magdalena H. Gafud High School, Echague National High School, and Ugad High School to immerse themselves in the intricacies of this traditional craft, gaining valuable insights into its cultural and economic importance.

The event was conducted as part of the academic requirements for the course THM 52019: Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events Management, facilitated by Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang. This initiative exemplified the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to their community while enhancing their professional competencies.

The Youth Heritage Forum is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in bridging cultural heritage and modern skills. Through projects like “Paddarafung LikHabi,” students not only celebrate their roots but also pave the way for sustainable development anchored in local identity and entrepreneurial innovation.

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With a transdisciplinary approach, the project will advance heritage research, education programs and tourism promotion that will dramatically impact the Samar Province’s holistic development. These forgotten fortifications are value-added to Spark Samar’s program by promoting historically significant tourist destinations that provide opportunities for community-driven conservation.

To jumpstart the project, the US Embassy in the Philippines, Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear, joined by Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara, conducted an ocular inspection last November 21-22, 2024 in three (3) fortification sites in Samar Province. They were accompanied by the university’s composite team from USTGS-CCCPET, UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and UST College of Architecture. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan expressed her sincere gratitude to the US Embassy of the Philippines and to the ��ɫ.

Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, MAEd, Officer-in-Charge of USTGS-CCCPET and Project Director, emphasizes that this initiative aligns with the university’s vision of preserving cultural heritage that will inspire future generations as responsible stewards. Through the AFCP grant, USTGS-CCCPET gets to continue its role as a prime mover of cultural heritage preservation, advocating  heritage utilization toward community development.

The project is set to launch on December 4, 2024, in Sta. Rita, Samar, in partnership with Samar Provincial Government and the Local Government of Sta. Rita.

The AFCP, established by the US Department of State, supports projects worldwide that preserve cultural heritage, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, collections, and intangible heritage such as traditional crafts and languages.

UST Team, Sta. Rita LGU team and

US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)

Ms. Beverly Bautista lead the ocular visit in Tinago Ruins in Tarangan with US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (red shirt)

UST Team, Gandara LGU Officials, Bangahon local community with

US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)

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The plan aimed to assess the potential of Barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela, for sustainable community-based tourism in the new and next normal. It also determined the current situation of the barangay, specifically its community-based tourism industry development, analyzed different related issues, constraints, and opportunities of the barangay for community-based tourism industry development, assessed the perspectives and views of different stakeholders on the sustainability and development of the barangay’s tourism resources, assessed tourism development impacts, specifically on the barangay’s economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects, and developed a sustainable community-based tourism strategic development framework and sustainability indicators for Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela.

The Office of Hon. Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V of the 6^th District of Isabela initiated the project and was supported by the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela. The turnover activity was conducted at the Blessed Jane of Aza Lounge, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.

Mr. Louie Simbe, the Municipal Tourism, Culture, and Arts Officer of the Municipality, and Ms. Claire Santiago, the Political Affairs Assistant under the Office of Cong. Inno officially received the plan. Officials from the DOST NRCP also attended the event. It was headed by Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo (President) and Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda (Executive Director). While RCSSEd was represented by its Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jeremaiah M. Opiniano.

#TeamKomunidad of the UST CTHM and Sentro Turismo spearheaded the project under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS, with the team members, Asst. Prof. Dr. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, Assistant Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, and Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado.

The plan was an output of the project entitled “Sustainable ��ɫ-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela in the New/Next Normal.” The project was also part of the 1^st batch of the Policy-funded Research Projects under the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

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Winning the Third Prize is Inst. John Andrew C. Albay, PhD of the Department of Mathematics and Physics for his work  “Colloidal Heat Engine Driven by Engineered Active Noise.” Albay becomes the first NAST TSYS awardee of the Department.

Receiving citations are Inst. Katherine Yasmin M. Garcia, MS of the Department of Chemistry and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MA of the Department of Tourism Management.

Garcia was recognized for her work entitled “Antiproliferative and Cytotoxic Cytochalasins from 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢 Inhibit Action Polymerization and Aggregation.”

Meanwhile, Mercado, who is an academic researcher of the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education, was recognized for his work entitled “Ysla de Panciteria: A Preliminary Study on the Culinary Heritage Significance of Pancit Using the Heritage Documentation Approach — the Case of Luzon Island, Philippines.” Mercado co-authored the work with Dr. Avi Ben Andalecio, also of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

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Zerrudo provided an opening message where he underscored the significance of the environment to the viability of Philippine weaving. The students were introduced to the ingenuity of traditional weavers and the diversity of techniques such as the binakol of Ilocos region, the pina weaving of Aklan and the Inaul of Maguindanao Region.
The Likha program was a convergence of three weaving industry prime movers – Al Valenciano of Ilocos, Lesly Mobo of Visayas, and Charisse Tugade (a Thomasian CHS Alumna) for Mindanao. Approximately 21 weavers engaged in a conversation relative to their practice, its significance, threats to its viability, and its survival in relation to the government assistance they need . After validation from the weavers, the results of the discussions were later forwarded to Philippine First Lady Atty. Liza Araneta Marcos, who spearheaded the initiative.

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The theme, Tourism and Hospitality Academe-Government Collaboration towards Sustainable Development, directly highlights the significance of academe-government partnership and collaboration in developing sustainable plans and programs for the tourism and hospitality industry and its related stakeholders.

Dr. Reil G. Cruz, Associate Professor from the Asian Institute of Tourism of the University of the Philippines Diliman, was the Plenary Speaker for the virtual event and shared on the current academe-government collaboration in the tourism and hospitality industry. Also, different academic staff from CTHM served as the Members of the Panel of Discussants who shared their experiences on research projects with local government units.

Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, MCHS, CHE, CGSP, shared his group’s experiences on the Municipality of Maragondon, Cavite Natural and Cultural Heritage Mapping Project. Mr. Arnulfo Ricardo A. Butiong, MMC (Tourism Management) and Ms. Kathrine Camille A. Nagal, MBA (Hospitality Management) shared the project outcomes and their experiences during the conceptualization of the Davao City Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Expositions (MICE) Strategic Management Plan 2022-2026. Lastly, Assoc. Prof. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL, CHE, shared their project output and experiences while conceptualizing the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan 2022-2031.

Photo Opportunity with the Plenary Speaker and Panel of Discussants

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The Kurikulum para sa Edukasyong Kultural ng Lalawigan ng Samar is part of a bigger project titled, Cultural Heritage Values Interpretation Towards Education and Utilization for ��ɫ Development: A Cultural Mapping Continuing Project which is spearheaded by the ��ɫ Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (GS-CCCPET) headed by Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, Ph.D.. The Curriculum Development Team is composed of four academic staff from the UST Institute of Religion namely, Prof. Joan Christi Trocio-Bagaipo, Ph.D., Assoc Prof. Ma. Sanita A. Quilatan, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Marites Rano-Redoña, Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Chito M. Sawit, Ph.D. Joining the UST team for this project are Ms. Ricamela Saturay Palis, an academic staff of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts – Philippine Cultural Education Program, Ms. Ma. Cynthia Tajanlangit-Matas, an Alternative Learning System (ALS) expert from Negros Oriental State University, and a Samarnon Cultural Educator, Roland Peter J. Nicart, from the Eastern Samar State University.

The project, which is the conversion of cultural heritage resources into a curriculum, is sourced from the data gathered from cultural mapping throughout the province of Samar. The narratives gathered were classified into themes and were matched based on the hierarchy of cultural competencies for K-12 and Adult Learning Students. This pioneering project addressed the need for Philippines cultural education.

This project is supported by the provincial Government of Samar headed by Gov. Sharee Ann Tan together with Congressman Michael Tan, the Department of Education Region VIII, and the Department of Tourism region VIII.

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Grand Winner

Research Title: Pamana sa Mata ng mga … Bata? (Heritage in the Eyes of the … Child?): A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Student Tour Guides on Heritage Sustainability – The Case of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Partner Local Government Unit: Municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

1^st Runner-up

Research Title: Pukpok na nga ba sa limot?: Assessing the Heritage Significance and Safeguarding Culture on the Traditional Craftsmanship of Paete, Laguna, Philippines

Partner Local Government Unit: Municipality of Paete, Laguna

Co-researcher: Dr. Marygrace A. Ac-ac (De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Manila and Museo Ac-ac and Atelier)

2^nd Runner-up

Research Title: Pangangalaga or Pag-unlad (Preservation or Development): A Phenomenological Study on the Stakeholders on the Conservation and Urbanization of a Historic Town – The Case of Lucban, Quezon, Philippines

Partner Local Government Unit: Municipality of Lucban, Quezon

Co-researchers: Dr. Claire Ann M. Yao (Southern Luzon State University Lucban Campus) and Dr. Maricel D. Herrera (Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Inc. Lucena Campus)

The Pearl Awards is an annual recognition given to outstanding local government units (LGU) that showcase significant tourism and hospitality-related programs and projects. Under the Best Tourism Research category, it encourages universities and colleges to submit research studies that have not been published. Research could be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology, preferably endorsed by the college or university. The research should be initiated by an institution of higher education (HEI) or a non-government organization (NGO) endorsed by a local government unit.

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The opening ceremony was led by Most Reverend Alberto S. Uy, D.D. the Bishop of Tagbilaran diocese, with welcome message from Msgr. Harold Anthony S. Parilla, Immaculate Conception Parish priest and Vicar General of the diocese. A special message was delivered by Atty. Edgardo M. Chatto, 1^st Bohol Congressional District Representative, and a video message from Dr. Rene R. Escalante, Chair of National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) was also shown. Bp. Uy conduct a short rite of the opening of the museum doors followed by a museum tour by Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, CCCPET Director. The museum was conceptualized by composite team organized by USTGS-CCCPET.

The Museo Parroquial de Baclayon: Tagbilaran Diocesan Museum of Liturgical Arts is located at a section of the old convent of one of the oldest churches in the country, the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church. Built in 1727, the Baclayon Church has been a repository of priceless liturgical and cultural artifacts which reflect the rich Boholano history and heritage. With the retooling of the museum, outstanding pieces from the parish collection are presented against the backdrop of the liturgical seasons, showing visitors the context in which these objects were used or being used in the different liturgical celebrations and observances. Fr. Milan Ted Torralba, Chair of the Diocesan Commission for Church Cultural Heritage and alumnus of the Cultural Heritage Studies Program, initiated this serial development of church museums, part of the faith-based tourism program of the Diocese.

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The five month preparation was postponed successively due to climatic, manpower, election and flight adjustments. Through the initiative of Ms. Fanibeth Domingo, DOT Regional Director who oversees tourism in Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, the program ‘Breathtaking Batanes’ will finally take off amongst the municipalities of the archipelagic province namely Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, Sabtang ad Itbayat. Assoc. Prof. Eric Babar Zerrudo, Ph.D., Director of the UST GS CCCPET, conducted the Cultural Heritage Tourism Capacity Building Seminar-Workshop last July 11-15, 2022.

The seminar-workshop was held to orient the stakeholders on the fundamentals of heritage conservation and tourism and to develop seminal heritage-based tour circuits in different municipalities. The program was opened by Provincial Administrator Juan Caballero who represented Gov. Marilou Cayco. Other key representatives were Ms. Hegel Vallones (Provincial Tourism Officer), Ms. Ann Balles-Viola (Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member), Ms. Tessa Vargas Castillejos (Head of Batanes Cultural Council), Ms. Ruth Pacana (Head of the Batanes Contractors Association), Mr. Protogenes Galarion (Head of Fundacion Pacita), Mr. Byron Peralta (Sangguniang Bayan Member of Uyugan), Mr. Jack Lord Labrador (Sangguniang Bayan Member of Basco), and Mr. Jonel Villa (Sangguniang Bayan Member of Itbayat).

This seminar-workshop gathered an assembly of 40 Ivatan cultural heritage stakeholders. New areas of collaboration were raised throughout the assembly. The UST GS CCCPET will conduct the Church Heritage Seminar-Workshop to develop the faith tourism circuit of South Cagayan. It will also collaborate with the Batanes State College (BSC) through Archt. Syra Valiente, a CCCPET project alumnus, on the documentation of Ivatan houses, construction methodology and materials conservation under the forthcoming DOST NICER HEI network program. The Municipality of Sabtang will conduct a cultural heritage mapping project under the Center for possible nomination to the World Heritage Convention.

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