Two Master of Education in Social Studies students of the Division of Professional Education (ProfEd) represented the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) in the International Field School Program organized by the Asia-Pacific Higher Education Network for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (APHEN-ICH), Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, Buyeo, Republic of Korea from August 16-18, 2021.
The two delegates were Ms. Mary Erien Casimero and Mr. Jeanel C. Gregorio. The Field School was themed “Posthumanism and Intangible Heritage (ICH).”
APHEN-ICH was established in September 2018 in cooperation with ICHCAP and UNESCO. In keeping with the spirit of 2003 UNESCO Convention, the Network aims to foster and strengthen capacity for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific through collaborative educational programs and activities.
As of 2019, there are 17 member universities, including UP Visayas.
Organized as an inclusive training ground for experts and students in the field of ICH to promote academic exchange, the field school provided an intensive, three-day course, offering a combination of lectures, workshops, and field visits to museums and communities conducted virtually.
According to Mr. Gregorio, “the field school did not only widen my horizon on intangible heritage and the relevance of education, but expanded my networks with the people who are so passionate in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage in their respective country.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Casimero said, “APHEN-ICH opens a portal that allows us to have a glimpse of what will likely happen to our intangible cultural heritage in an era when robots, androids, humanoids, hybrids, and artificial intelligence are rising in power. In our 3 days in the field school, we have traveled to the future, though some topics were difficult to comprehend. We are so grateful for this opportunity.” (Prof. Amy Luz Catalan, ProfEd)
