The exhibit is an off-shoot of research projects conducted with the IFSU’s Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program (ISMTP) and University of the Philippines- Open University (UP-OU) on built heritage. This is also part of the RURITAGE: Heritage for Rural Regeneration project as an additional replicator.
Dr. Consuelo Habito of UP-OU shared their research with Dulnuan entitled“Ifugao Traditional Houses as Springboard for Reenergizing Culture, Preserving Landscape and Support For Household Resiliency” was the basis of the exhibit.
Through the research, the Philippines is now part of the RURITAGE, which seeks to transform rural areas and sustainable development laboratories through the enhancement of their unique cultural and natural heritage potential.
“We are now part of this family of countries that are participating in heritage for rural regeneration,” said Habito.This, she said, is just the beginning of activities on built heritage and shared future activities including the plan on exhibiting the trees/wood in making the Ifugao native houses.
Meanwhile, IFSU Vice President of Research Development, Extension and Training Marissa Bulong said that this activity is critical to the continuation of IFSU’s vision for the conservation of Ifugao heritage. She noted that the venue is also appropriate as the entire municipality of Hungduan is designated as UNESCO and GIAHS world heritage site for its outstanding and universal value.
Bulong acknowledged that traditional house construction is a dying art with only few master builders left in the communities, posing an enormous challenge.
“To address these issues and concerns, all stakeholders must work together more closely. It requires every assistance to resurrect the art of building traditional houses and pass on to the next generation,” she said. (JDP/FBR-PIA CAR, Ifugao)
