The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Mateo, Rizal, marks the latest development in their research project “Gender-Sensitive Governance for Cultural Heritage and Sustainability: A University-Community Partnership of UP Open University and San Mateo, Rizal”, with an Open Educational Resources (OER) video shoot featuring Mayor Bartolome “Omie” Rivera, accompanied by a focus group discussion (FGD) with selected LGU representatives last 19 September 2024 at the San Mateo Municipal Hall. 

This initiative aligns with the Community Inclusivity, Digital Transformation and Acceleration Towards Sustainability (CIDAS) Program of UPOU-FMDS with its focus on Youth and Children Empowerment (YaCE), Women and Elderly Empowerment and Transformation +(WEET+), and Digital Transformation (Dx).

The OER shoot aims to document the steps taken by the LGU in developing the cultural heritage of San Mateo in pursuit of sustainable development. During the shoot, Mayor Rivera shared his insights and personal narratives on San Mateo’s history and rich cultural heritage as well as the LGU’s efforts towards its promotion and preservation.

He remarked, “Ang ganap na pag-unlad ng bayan ay may malakas na kamalayan sa kasaysayan ang mga mamamayan…It develops the identity ng bagay at saka ng mamamayan… May social cohesion tungo sa pagkakaisa.” [“The full development of a community requires its people to have a strong awareness of their history… It shapes the identity of both the place and its people… There will be a social cohesion that leads to unity.”]

The FGD, attended by Mr. Jose Enrique Desiderio from the Administration Office, Mr. John Robert Melad from the Planning and Development Office, and Mr. Lief Jezreel Reyes from the Local Youth Development Office, focused on existing cultural heritage policies. Discussions highlighted the annual Septemberfest celebration, showcasing their events such as the Kakanin Festival, Bike Festival, and Grand Concert. The participants emphasized the importance of inclusivity in cultural initiatives, ensuring residents of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can engage in and benefit from these programs.

The LGU also introduced UPOU-FMDS to their newly launched book, “Sinagin: Kultura at Kasaysayan ng San Mateo”, the first coffee table book documenting municipal’s heritage, covering geography, anthropology, philosophy, dialect, culture, and history.

In a separate event organized by FMDS, initial findings from the research project were presented at the International University Social Responsibility (IUSR) Forum on 26 September 2024 in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Insights from the OER shoot and the FGD will shape a comprehensive framework for promoting and preserving San Mateo’s cultural heritage.

Through this collaboration, UPOU-FMDS and the San Mateo LGU aim to provide a comprehensive framework of the municipality’s cultural heritage, which will help improve the national consciousness of their residents, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Written by: Anne Pauline Del Rosario • Edited by: Noreen Dianne S. Alazada & Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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