DHVSU, CHED collab for Edutourism; launch Project ‘BACOLOR’

It’s time to once again showcase the unique cultural and artistic strength of the Municipality of Bacolor and the province of Pampanga after decades of recovering from the aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991!

Through the Study in the Philippines (StudyPh) program, the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), officially launched the Edutourism Project Bringing Arts and Culture to the Local Repository (BACOLOR) on June 18, 2024.

“Because of the StudyPH program, universities are given the opportunity to become tourist destinations. At DHVSU, we feel so blessed that we’re one of the select universities in the country given the funding,” said Engr. Reden Hernandez, OIC-Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs, in his welcome message.

Dr. Enrique G. Baking, University President, and Atty. Lily Freida Macabangun-Milla, Director of CHED-International Affairs Services, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the project launch, which was held in four locations: DHVSU Museum, DHVSU Auditorium, DHVSU Basketball Court, and Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Center.

Each station showcased different products and offerings of the project, including digitized repositories, miniatures of local churches and landmarks in Bacolor, and various trainings in parol, dukit, and vestment making, as well as culinary, performing, visual, and literary arts.

“The StudyPH program is a dynamic fusion of tourism and the opportunity to present the vibrant heritage of your cultural town and your province. Ang hinanap ng mga tao ngayon ay hindi lang sight- seeing, but it is now about life-seeing. Ang experience ang importante na matandaan ng bawat turista at ng bawat mag-aaral,” said Atty. Macabangun-Milla in her message.

The Edutourism Project BACOLOR was led by Dr. Mildred Crisostomo, Director of the Office of International Partnerships and Programs, along with cluster heads and trainers from various colleges, offices, and industry partners.

Dr. Crisostomo said that this project has been two years in the making, with a vision of reclaiming the Municipality of Bacolor as it was once known, the “Athens of Pampanga,” through this project.

“Finally, the once ‘Athens of Pampanga,’ Bacolor, will reclaim its name and experience its glorious days once again through sharing with the world its cultural, literary, and artistic ingenuity,” said Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, in her message.

Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit