Cultural mapping of historical sites in Dumaguete proposed

CEBU, Philippines - A history professor of Silliman University had recommended for an inventory and cultural mapping of existing historical sites and landmarks in Dumaguete City that will lead into cultural analysis and eventually to a cultural development plan.

Doctor Earl Jude Cleope said, in the absence of these records and data, the rich cultural heritage of the city will not be put to good use as the government implements the K to 12 program in schools.

Cleope, dean of SU’s College of Education and vice head of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’  national committee on historical research, issued this statement when he was one of the main speakers last week, during a seminar on Dumaguete history.

The professor proposed for the integration of the history of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental into the K to12 curriculum of the senior high that will start next year, and be part of the learning materials used by teachers for their students.

The Department of Education-Negros Oriental division, for its part, had launched the Big Book containing the history of a certain barangay and on how it got its name, complete with photos and large texts for clear and easy understanding to the readers.

The seminar on the local history of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental, held under the auspices of the Dumaguete Tourism Office headed by Woodrow Maquiling Jr., was part of activities marking the World Tourism Day, which was also opened with a presentation of the flavors of Dumaguete.

Maquiling Jr. said it was necessary for every Dumagueteño and every Kto12 graduate to be knowledgeable on how the city got its name, and how it was built through the big fires, in addition to other chapters of its history, and cultural heritage, including the collection of old photographs.

On the tourism aspect, Maquiling said, when visitors come, “it would be nice if we have good stories to tell about the city because after all tourism is about storytelling and history is about telling a good story.”

Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling Sr., for his part, assured the public the local heritage society or council shall be activated.

The elder Maquiling told the seminar participants the City Council had enacted an ordinance, authored by Councilor Manny Arbon and Peter Catan, calling for the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage. — Juancho R. Gallarde (FREEMAN)