Monday, July 07, 2008 STC’S Heritage Awardees By Jenara Regis Newman
IN her 75th year of existence, St. Theresa’s College (STC) chose to honor her alumnae committed to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Cebu.
The awardees are Provincial Board member Agnes Almendras Magpale, architect Socorro Atega, educator Madrileña de la Cerna, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Luz Mancao Sandiego, Adelaida Pages Javier, and architect Melva Rodriguez Java.
Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale was cited for her “vibrant leadership and commitment to the preservation of Cebuano Cultural Heritage by harnessing women’s capabilities in reviving indigenous craft industries for sustainable tourism development.”
Architect Socorro Atega is focused on the promotion of eco-tourism and environmental preservation in the province of Cebu.
A landscape architect, her centerpiece project is the Buhisan Dam Forest Cover where she is planting indigenous trees for ecological balance.
Educator Madrileña de la Cerna is dedicated and committed to “the preservation and promotion of Cebu’s proud history and culture through cultural mapping initiatives and the establishment of the Research Center for the Visayas” at eh UP-Cebu campus.
Gov. Gwen Garcia, who was out of the country, was represented by Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez. She was cited for making heritage the centerpiece of her governance, harnessing culture and art for sustainable development.
Most Cebu towns and cities now have a museum, a cultural festival and soon, an individual book on its history.
Luz Mancao Sandiego was honored for her “pioneering efforts and dedication to the promotion of the Sinulog tradition in the city of Cebu by upholding the traditional Sinulog dance as the essence of the Sinulog festival.” Sinulog is a prayer dance, not a Mardi gras..
Adelaida Pages Javier was cited for “her trailblazing efforts and commitment to the preservation and promotion of Colon street, Cebu city, the oldest street in the Philippines.” As president of the Women’s International League, she spearheaded the erection of the Colon street obelisk, and Colon street time-line markers.
Architect Melva Rodriguez Java was cited for her work in the preservation and restoration of historical monuments and sites in the province of Cebu. She is a consultant of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for Central Visayas and is also with the Heritage Commission of the province. Through her documentation work, the burned church of Oslob can be rebuilt to its exact dimension.
These Theresians have all been working, each in her own way, for the preservation of Cebuano heritage and culture. They were given their awards during a testimonial dinner, hosted by the Province of Cebu, at the Capitol Social Hall. It was part of the activities of a forum on heritage, museum and conservation by the National Museum, held at STC’s Folk Life Museum and spearheaded by the Visayas Association of Museums and Galleries.
