Culture has a crucial role to play in making cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Thus, UB-SIHTM is one with the United Nations’ call in strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The increasing interest of visitors in cultural experiences rekindles the need to increase awareness and instill an appreciation of culture and heritage among future tourism industry professionals. As such, the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management conducted a series of activities with the theme “A Glimpse of the Cordilleras: Appreciating Culture and Heritage through a cultural immersion and Conference”.
The activities started with the conference titled “Am-among: Appreciating Cordillera Culture and Heritage” which was held on April 26, 2023, at the University of Baguio Gym. The conference included discussions from the resource speaker, Dr. Maria Catbagan-Aplaten, on how the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines is home to various indigenous communities that have preserved their unique culture for centuries. Despite the modernization and changes in their environment, these communities continue to uphold their traditions, beliefs, and practices, which are deeply rooted in their history and identity.
Of course, appreciation of the region and its aspects won’t be complete if the students won’t able to visit one of the most infamous places to know specifically more about the Cordilleras. Hence, the school coordinated the visit of the students to the Baguio Museum last April 27 and May 3, 2023, for the activity titled “A visit to the Home of Baguio’s Cultural and Historical Heritage”. Nestled in the heart of Baguio City, the Baguio Museum offered an immersive experience of the city's rich cultural heritage. The museum's exhibits showcased the indigenous people's history and traditions in the Cordillera Administrative Region, highlighting the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Ifugao, and other ethnolinguistic groups' unique customs. The students were also able to marvel at the intricate weaving techniques used in the region, with displays of woven clothing and textiles, as well as traditional musical instruments and dances. The museum also featured artifacts from the colonial era, including photographs and documents that detail Baguio City's development. However, during the visit, it was evident that the museum's collection is not limited to the past. It also features contemporary art exhibitions and installations, showcasing the region's vibrant artistic community.
Lastly, last May 6 & 7, 2023 was the final highlight of the activities as the students visited selected Baguio City tourist attractions and the BenCab Museum at Tuba, Benguet for the “Exploring the Gateway to the Cordilleras: A cultural immersion”.
Before embarking on their assigned jeepney rides for the trip, the students initially gathered at the university's food court before heading to the Botanical Garden, Wright Park, Mines View Park, The Mansion, and Camp John Hay. The students enjoyed their buffet lunch at the Elements Buffet at Newtown Plaza Hotel. The activity ended at the BenCab Museum before returning to the University.
UB-SIHTM hopes that after the activities, the students will realize that what they have seen is a testament to the Cordillera people’s resilience and pride in their heritage. Despite the challenges these people face, they continue to uphold their traditions and inspire others to appreciate their unique identity. Hence, it is essential to support their efforts to preserve their culture for future generations and promote their rights as indigenous communities.
With hopes that the students gained knowledge about the Cordillera and its Indigenous Peoples' rich culture. The series of activities was participated by more than 300 TMELC 101 (Cordillera Culture and Tourism Geography) students. The conduct of the activities was spearheaded by Ms. Dixie Lidawan and Ms. Rachel Grace Liclican, the TMELC101 instructors, with the help and support of the SIHTM faculty members and staff, program chair for BSTM-IT, Ms. Joanna Marie Victorio, and SIHTM Dean, Ms. Jenelyn Mangangey-Magpatoc.
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