The University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Center for the Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, in collaboration with the 3rd District of Leyte as supported by British Council, launched the scoping project entitled “Uswag Artesano: Advancing the Creativity and Adaptability of Weaving Artisans in the Third District of Leyte” on April 20, 2022 in Villaba, Leyte. The introduction and orientation gathered 10 selected public school teachers and 10 liaison officers tasked to document more than 30 artisans of the district from April 21-May 22, 2022 and to participate in lectures/workshop on May 23-24, 2022 about basketry tradition and best practices in the Philippines.
The project aims to: 1) define the weaving traditions of the artisans of the third district of Leyte through the customized heritage online mapping experience (HOME) template; 2) add value to the tradition and creativity of artisans through design, skill, knowledge and collaborative lectures from the academe and the industry both from national and international levels; 3) evolve climate change protocols to safeguard the tradition and encourage the adaptability of the artisans through case study discussions with representatives from resilient artisanal communities; 4) propose support mechanism and reinforcement towards sustainability through integration in the formal basic education system, particularly in the livelihood education subject/course
USTGS-CCCPET Director Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD conducted the plenary orientation on intangible cultural heritage and safeguarding mechanism together with Ms. Beverly Bautista, USTGS-CCCPET Support Staff, who discussed the HOME Craft, the customized online template lodge in the Centers’ website. Board Member Anna Veloso-Tuazon delivered the Welcome Message to the participants from the municipalities of Villaba, Tabango, San Isidro, Calubihan and Leyte of the 3rd District of Leyte.
