The Iloilo Science and Technology University launched and inaugurated today, January 18, 2024, its Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center (CHERC), at the New Site of the University.
Leading the ceremony, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. ISAT U President, expressed that this event is a significant milestone for the university’s commitment to preserve and promote the rich Ilonggo culture and heritage while fostering educational research.
Meanwhile, CHED Chair J. Prospero De Vera III, who graced the occasion, emphasized that CHERC is not just a stand-alone museum, but rather a showcase of various aspects of Iloilo’s history, culture and people. This project which was made possible through the invaluable support of the Commission on Higher Education is just one of their many Edu-Tourism projects for the different State Universities and Colleges in the country. Dr. De Vera expressed his happiness on the launching of CHERC because this is a project that identifies the creative efforts of ISAT U and that it can help in making Iloilo City a competitive historical destination in the country.
The Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center which was started in the incumbency of Dr. Raul F. Muyong, is a Php12, 502,559.29 project with Php 9M budget from CHED and the rest is ISAT U counterpart from Fund 164. It will serve as a museum with a digital platform to communicate Ilonggo industry and history to the whole country and other partner institutions abroad. It will also serve as a hub for students, faculty and researchers to collaborate and explore various aspects of Ilonggo history, cultural heritage and research.
Among those who attended the event were Atty. Lily Freida Milla, CHED Director for International Affairs Service, OIC Deputy Executive Director IV, CHED Regional Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., Education Supervisor II, Dr. Arnel P. Anceno, ISAT U Board of Regents, Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ms Junel Ann Divinagracia, Prof.Melanie Padilla, former Director of Center for West Visayan Studies, Ms. Pilar Martinez and ISAT U Media partners to name a few.
CHERC will be run by Dr. Eric de la Vega, OIC, and will be under the office of Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension.
