This summer, we’re thrilled to announce a special collaboration between the IRD team and the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila, in bringing a series of engaging workshops to Botolan, Zambales. Our goal? To empower the Ayta community with essential skills for documenting their history, safeguarding their heritage, and getting ready for emergencies. Here’s why you won’t want to miss out on this unique opportunity.

Discovering Your Story: What You’ll Learn

What’s in store for you at these workshops? We’ve packed them with valuable skills that you can take back to your community. Through ethnography, you’ll have the chance to preserve your traditional knowledge, customs, and stories—keeping your unique cultural heritage alive for generations to come. Then, with community mapping, you’ll learn how to chart your neighborhood, mark important spots, and spot areas prone to disasters. This knowledge is key for staying safe and being prepared. Finally, in the archaeology sessions, you’ll dive into techniques for uncovering and understanding your ancestors’ world.

Why It Matters: Empowering Your Community

Why should you be a part of these workshops? Well, for starters, by joining in, you’re taking the reins in preserving your own history and heritage. That’s a powerful act—one that fosters pride and a sense of identity within your community. Plus, you’ll gain the skills needed to protect sacred sites and traditions, ensuring they’re passed down intact. And let’s not forget about the mapping skills you’ll pick up—they’ll help you identify danger zones and plan ahead for emergencies, making your community safer and more resilient.

In short, our partnership with UP Manila isn’t just about workshops—it’s about giving you the tools you need to preserve your roots and build a stronger, safer future for your community. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of something truly special.