The University of Santo Tomas, through the Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, bagged the prestigious Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant for its Samar Fortification Project. This grant, valued at Two Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($245,000.00), will be a game-changer in the Safeguarding Sentinels Of The Samar Seas: Conservation Project of Samar Fortifications.
With a transdisciplinary approach, the project will advance heritage research, education programs and tourism promotion that will dramatically impact the Samar Province’s holistic development. These forgotten fortifications are value-added to Spark Samar’s program by promoting historically significant tourist destinations that provide opportunities for community-driven conservation.
To jumpstart the project, the US Embassy in the Philippines, Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear, joined by Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara, conducted an ocular inspection last November 21-22, 2024 in three (3) fortification sites in Samar Province. They were accompanied by the university’s composite team from USTGS-CCCPET, UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and UST College of Architecture. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan expressed her sincere gratitude to the US Embassy of the Philippines and to the University of Santo Tomas.
Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, MAEd, Officer-in-Charge of USTGS-CCCPET and Project Director, emphasizes that this initiative aligns with the university’s vision of preserving cultural heritage that will inspire future generations as responsible stewards. Through the AFCP grant, USTGS-CCCPET gets to continue its role as a prime mover of cultural heritage preservation, advocating heritage utilization toward community development.
The project is set to launch on December 4, 2024, in Sta. Rita, Samar, in partnership with Samar Provincial Government and the Local Government of Sta. Rita.
The AFCP, established by the US Department of State, supports projects worldwide that preserve cultural heritage, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, collections, and intangible heritage such as traditional crafts and languages.
UST Team, Sta. Rita LGU team and
US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)
Ms. Beverly Bautista lead the ocular visit in Tinago Ruins in Tarangan with US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (red shirt)
UST Team, Gandara LGU Officials, Bangahon local community with
US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)
