BUTUAN CITY – The Dinagat Islands’ Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office (PTCO) is now working to document, collect, and preserve historic landmarks and artifacts that are essential parts of the collective identity of the people in the island province.
In a statement Wednesday, the PTCO called on the residents in the province to participate in the process of cultural mapping of the traditions, artifacts, and other cultural works on the island.
The move is aligned with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, signed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 26, 2010.
RA 10066 mandates local government units to collect cultural properties, heritage, and legacies in their respective localities for protection, preservation, and promotion.
“As residents of Dinagat Islands, our knowledge, memories, and experiences are vital in the identification, collection, and conservation of our heritage,” PTCO said.
The campaign covers intangible cultural properties of residents and communities in the island province such as oral traditions and rituals.
Through the mapping activities, each of the unique cultures, traditions, properties, and artifacts of communities in Dinagat will be properly identified and preserved, PTCO said.
The PTCO specifically indicated 50-year-old and beyond works, artifacts, and other cultural properties on the island for mapping, documentation, and preservation activities. (PNA)
