Marindukanon Century of Cultural and Arts Studies: Initial review of the Local History and Cultural literacy dictionary with Cultural Heritage Tour packages, offline kiosks and mobile apps as centennial projects towards creative economies and culture-based industries
This year, Marinduque is commemorating its autonomy from Batangas, Quezon and Mindoro since 21stof February 1920. For the culture, arts and heritage of Marinduque and its people to flourish, it is imperative to document and promote Marindukanon in the region and the world. It might be beneficial to the provincial and local governments of Marinduque to establish and maintain a registry of cultural properties and arts practices.
In the long run, the output could be a basis for a district or even a division level matrix incorporating local history, cultural mapping and cultural history in the basic education curriculum as part of Department of Education’s effort for localization, indigenization and contextualization. Finally, the tangible results of both projects would serve as basis for cultural economies and creative industry in Marinduque.
In lieu of this, by 2021 there would be a quincentennial celebration honoring the 500 years since the Battle of Mactan. As early as 2016, there had been subtle preparations for the upcoming occasion. Likewise, by 2022 Boac would be celebrating its quadricentennial foundation. Therefore, the initial gains with Heritage Tourism would be sustained with arts, crafts and trades with technological innovation and applications.
The Marindukanon Culture and Arts Studies Program is a continuation of the academic tradition of Dr. Rex Asuncion and Dr. Romulo Malvar’s collaboration that has yet to come to full fruition. It is also the logical application of Mr. Chito Mandia’s internationalization protocols and Dr. Randy Nobleza’s efforts of revitalization and reinvigoration. In support of the two centennial projects: anthology of local history and cultural literacy dictionary of Marinduque arts and culture, the Heritage Tourism and Kulturismo kiosks would serve as collaboration with more line agencies and private sectors in the province. Similarly, the specific activities of the program is a series of workshops, mapping, documentation, research, writing and collaboration with Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry along with its Negosyo Centers and in coordination with the provincial chamber of commerce and industry. Since Marinduque State College is offering the Graduate Diploma in Cultural Education in cooperation of the Philippine Cultural Education Program with the support of the National Commission for Culture and Arts, it would be an ideal platform for GDCE teacher-scholars to collaborate and work together with others in the field of tourism, trade and business.
Keywords: Marindukanon, culture-based economies, creative industries, cultural literacy, cultural heritage tourism