By Ricky J. Bautista, The Samar Chronicle
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — The Local Government of Catbalogan City has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Samar State University (SSU) to launch a series of cultural and educational programs aimed at fostering community engagement, gender sensitivity, and sustainable tourism.
The MOA, signed by Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy and SSU President Dr. Redentor Palencia on October 30, formalizes a partnership to implement key initiatives that emphasize cultural preservation and inclusivity.
Ador Hurtado, Catbalogan City Tourism Officer, shared details about the program during an office meeting on November 8, 2024.
Present at the signing were Hurtado and his team from the City Tourism, Culture, Arts & Information Office (CTCAIO), alongside Prof. Jhonil Bajado, SSU Museum & Archives Head, and Charmaine Quiña, Director of SSU’s Advocacy on Gender & Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN).
The MOA includes four (4) flagship projects slated for implementation in 2024:
#KarikohanKatbalogan Cultural Mapping Project Phase 2 – This initiative will document traditional fishing practices in Catbalogan, promoting local heritage and encouraging cultural preservation.
#KamatigayonKatbalogan Souvenir-Making Training – Aimed at developing sustainable crafts from recycled materials, this project will provide economic opportunities for community-based tourism organizations.
#KapulonganKatbalogan Boses han Babaye Season 2 – This writeshop and advocacy platform is designed for women and girl campus journalists, supporting female voices in media.
#KahibaroKatbalogan Gender Sensitivity Film Workshop – Targeting local filmmakers, vloggers, and social media influencers, this workshop will focus on gender-sensitive storytelling to raise awareness and encourage inclusivity.
“These programs reflect our shared vision for cultural preservation and sustainable growth in Catbalogan,” said Mayor Uy.
“Through these initiatives, we are working towards an inclusive future aligned with the Derecho Uswag Catbalogan Vision 2040.”
Coordinated by CTCAIO, the Local Culture & Arts Council, and the City Tourism Council, the partnership highlights Catbalogan’s commitment to both heritage conservation and community empowerment, with leadership from Prof. Bajado and Engr. Joseph Balisacan.
During the recent office meeting, Hurtado also discussed plans for the Development Project for a Comprehensive Tourism and Cultural Heritage Master Development Plan (CTCHMDP) for Catbalogan City, engaging various stakeholders. Other topics included the recent installation of Tourism and Information Kiosks at cemeteries for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, and preparations for the next year’s office and individual targets as the 2024 semester concludes. | The Samar Chronicle
