BSC taps USTGS-CCCPET for cultural mapping orientation
by M.Mesias

The Bikol Studies Center (BSC) tapped the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET) for an orientation meeting on cultural mapping on July 3, 2018 at the St. John Macias Pavillion Hall B. The participants were from the UST-Legazpi BSC committee and cultural officers of partner schools: Catanduanes State University, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), Sorsogon State College, Bicol University, Divine Word College, Universidad de Santa Isabel, and Partido State University.

The resource speaker for the cultural mapping orientation meeting was USTGS-CCCPET Director Eric B. Zerrudo. The objectives of the event were: understanding the importance of awareness and appreciation of heritage sites and knowing the process of identifying natural and cultural heritage resources for the purpose of conservation and development. During the orientation, Zerrudo emphasized that heritage conservation should start with awareness then appreciation before it could be fully utilized.

Assoc. Prof. Zerrudo is considered as the “Father of Cultural Heritage Mapping of the Philippines”. Under his mentorship, the Vigan World Heritage City was awarded as the Best Practice in Conservation Management in 2012 during the 40th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention besting hundreds of other World Heritage sites. He was also the Deputy Project Director of the World Bank-Department of Tourism Multi-hazard Vulnerability Assessment of Philippine Built Heritage Structures after the massive destruction brought by the 7.2 Bohol earthquake and typhoon Yolanda to heritage monuments.

Posted on: 07.04.2018