THE CENTER for Heritage Studies of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines partnered with the Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, Inc. to conduct a heritage conservation research.

A ceremonial signing sealed the collaboration between the two institutions last week.

“Nais ko pong iparating na natutuwa ang ating mga executive officials sa collaborative project na ito… Isa sa mga thrusts ng university ay makatulong sa research sa iba pang stakeholders,” Dr. Angelina Borican, assistant to the Vice President for Research, Extension, Planning, and Development, said.

“Ang PUP, being a polytechnic university, maraming skills at expertise na gusto naming linangin sa aming mga estudyante at faculty. Through that ay makatulong din sa society. Masaya kami dahil maraming opportunities for partnership. Sana hindi po ito ang huling project na pagsasamahan natin,” she added.

The partnership will focus on the perspectives of niche heritage workers and their involvement in this evolving creative industry.

To a certain extent, the research will also examine the socio-economic conditions that influence heritage conservation work in the Philippines using construction projects managed by Escuela Taller.

ETFFI Executive Director Architect Bettina Silao-Bulaong thanked the university for trusting their institution.

“‘Yung practice ng heritage work dito sa bansa ay medyo bago pa. We are really glad na meron kayong Center, very few institutions have been able to put up such a center for research. I think doon po talaga makakatulong ang PUP sa industry. We are really hoping we can further the practice of heritage conservation in our country,” Silao-Bulalong said.

Prior to this engagement, ETFFI has been actively working with PUP under its extension program, Salin-Kaalaman Tungo sa Kaunlaran in partnership with the College of Architecture, Built and Design Environment.

Several PUP graduates have also been working with the training center, deepening the ties between the two institutions.