Governor Amado I. Espino III is set to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Santo Tomas for the provision of cultural heritage training and certificate programs for the Province of Pangasinan.

With the passage and approval of a resolution during the online session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on November 15, the proposed agreement will set up the understanding relative to the objectives, scope and areas of cooperation between the two entities.

“The Provincial Government recognizes the need to continue to preserve, promote and protect the cultural heritage of Pangasinan through the implementation of programs, projects and activities for the sustainable development of the Province,” the resolution which was authored by SP Member Margilou Orange D. Humilde-Verzosa, stated.

Based on the resolution, “the University of Santo Tomas, through the Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (CCCPET) and Center for Continuing Professional Education and Development (CCPED), provides relevant and up-to-date training courses and certificate programs pertaining to cultural heritage tourism and heritage education.”

Thus, “an effective and efficient implementation of new cultural heritage policies, concepts and strategies could be better achieved through collaborative efforts between the Province of Pangasinan and the University of Santo Tomas,” the resolution added.

It can be recalled that one of the main thrusts of the provincial government is to protect, conserve, develop and promote the local cultural heritage to further boost the tourism industry in the province.

/Ruby R. Bernardino