At the recent Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) – Department of Tourism (DOT) Pearl Awards 2024 held at The Farm, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, the Provincial Government of Bataan, thru its Provincial Tourism Office under the leadership of Ms. Danica Tigas-Rodriguez, emerged grand winner in two major categories.
The “Remember Bataan” souvenirs and memorabilia created through the love and passion of a local artist, Mr. Hershy Flores Masayon (Mhersayan) to commemorate the Battle of Bataan was adjudged grand winner in the Non-food Category.
The miniature soldiers and markers are created to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in Bataan during the infamous World War II. These items serve as educational materials and tangible reminders of the significant historical events that took place during the said war. They may be miniature in size, but their significance to us, Bataenos and the Filipinos in general is undeniably huge. Indeed, it is a call to Remember Bataan.Having been adjudged as grand winner, DOT will promote said souvenir in succeeding events and will be used as one of our country’s national souvenirs.
Our Bahay Wika also emerged as grand winner under the Best Institutionalized Culture and the Arts Program Category. A crucial part of the Ayta Magbukun Language Revitalization Initiative in Bataan, the Bahay-Wika program is a striking example of how cultural preservation can be seamlessly integrated into sustainable development efforts. Focusing on revitalizing the endangered Ayta Magbukun language, Bahay-Wika not only aims to save a critical aspect of the community’s linguistic heritage but also seeks to reinforce and rejuvenate the Ayta Magbukun people’s cultural heritage and identity. On top of all of these, the Bataan Bahay-Wika, based on data from the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, is the only Bahay Wika in the whole country. As such, it is not only a significant endeavor but a trailblazing one as well, that could serve as a platform for future Bahay Wika across the country.
Indeed “when it rains, it pours”.
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