MANILA – The Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) to develop research cooperation and capacity building between the two institutions. The momentous occasion took place today, October 10, 2023 via zoom.
The signing of the memorandum marked a vital step to equalize opportunities and prioritize Mindanao not only in tourism development but also in intellectual pursuits through the 3rd Nayong Pilipino Research Summit which will be held on October 25-27, 2023.
The summit’s theme “Cultural Heritage Education for Lifelong Learning”, intends to chart the valuable contribution of cultural heritage education in building a culture of lifelong learning, which according to UNESCO, “is key to overcoming global challenges and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The objective of the summit is to bring to light the state and condition of cultural heritage education in the Philippines; recognize common and unique functional competencies developed by cultural heritage education across learning groups; and synergize participants from different sectors to advocate cultural heritage education for lifelong learning.
The summit’s opening ceremony will be held at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) in Ermita, Manila. Day 2 will be conducted online through the Facebook Page of the NPF and will highlight the programs of the Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP). Day 3 and the closing ceremony will be held at ADZU in Zamboanga City.
Present during the signing ceremony were NPF Executive Director Gertie Duran-Batocabe, ADZU President Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M Andal SJ, ADZU Dean of the School of Education Dr. Dorothy Lei Rabajante, ADZU-Mindanao Institute Executive Director Ms. Floraime O Pantaleta, Dean of the ADZU Research Office Ms. Cindy Ann J Quaile, Ateneo Center for Culture & the Arts Director Carlito Robin, and NPF Programs Head Ms. Josephine Grace Mirafuentes.
According to the NFF Executive Director Gertie Duran-Batocabe, the partnership is historic because it is the first time that NPF is holding the summit at a university outside of Metro Manila, so much so in Mindanao.
“With the roster of scholars of ADZU, we can all look forward to shedding light on the current culture heritage education in the country, while contributing to the social learning and discourse of the role of cultural heritage for national and local development,” said Duran-Batocabe.
“May this partnership and convergence between us teach our young leaders the principles of research, scholarship, culture, heritage, as well as good governance and train them to be upright and responsible citizens; let this endeavor nurture the minds of our youth to become lifelong learners themselves,” she added.
AdZU President Fr. Guillrey Anthony Andal, SJ stressed that the MOU is more than just an agreement but a commitment of the two institutions in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our culture and identity.
“It’s not merely a collaboration, it’s a fusion of vision and aspirations. Together, we are poised to magnify our reach, sharing of wealth of research, engaging cultural performances and insights that not only educate but evoked reflection and inspiration,” said Fr. Andal.
Through the Research Institute, the NPF’s knowledge development center, experts look into existing public policies on Philippine natural and cultural heritage, sustainable heritage tourism and ecotourism, tourism governance, cultural education, cultural and creative industries, and related fields, to name a few.
The NPF, as an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, spearheads and develops hubs, spaces, activities, green infrastructure projects, and research and knowledge production initiatives that utilize innovation and creative potential as catalysts for sustainable national development.
Interested participants for the summit may register through this link: https://bit.ly/NPFRS2023. Note that this summit is offered for 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄.