To celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of New Lucena, the Municipal Tourism Office recently organized a captivating Cultural Mapping Workshop last August 22-24, 2023. Gilbert G. Marin, the Provincial Government Assistant Department Head of the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office was the resource speaker of the workshop. This event was a significant milestone in fostering a deeper understanding of the town's history, traditions, and indigenous practices.


"The New Lucena Seal is always been a part of the New Lucena Municipal Hall and not everyone knows that this seal was built along with the original Municipal Hall," according to Mr. Rodulfo Asessor.


The participants are public school teachers, Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawad, Barangay Secretaries, and Municipal employees. They were given the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions, hands-on activities, and interactive sessions aimed at creating a comprehensive cultural map of the town.

Participants together with Mr. Gilbert G. Marin (center), the Provincial Government Assistant Department Head of the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office. 

Discovering Identity Through Culture


New Lucena, with its diverse population and vibrant history, is a treasure trove of cultural practices waiting to be unearthed. The workshop's main goal was to facilitate an exploration of the town's unique identity by delving into its past and present cultural elements. By tracing back the roots of local traditions and customs, participants gained a renewed appreciation for their heritage and a stronger connection to their community.


Activities and Highlights


The workshop spanned three enlightening days filled with diverse activities tailored to engage participants of all ages. Highlights of the event included:


Participants as well as the ‘local historians’ shared captivating stories that shed light on New Lucena's journey through time. These anecdotes not only entertained but also served as essential pieces of the cultural puzzle.









The speaker shared photos, stories, and marketing strategies on how Iloilo City successfully maps its artworks such as as woven textiles, pottery, and intricate beadwork. 


Mr. Marin also discusses how Food has become an integral part of any culture. He emphasized that Culinary experts and local cooks should demonstrate the preparation of traditional dishes, revealing the connection between local ingredients and the town's heritage.


Participants were given NCCA forms on the second day to help them identify and map the significant historical sites and landmarks within New Lucena allowing participants to witness the tangible remnants of the town's cultural evolution.


The heart of the workshop revolved around collaborative mapping sessions. Participants contributed their insights, stories, and memories to create a comprehensive cultural map that depicted the town's history, festivities, local practices, and more.


Impact and Future Endeavors


The success of the Cultural Mapping Workshop marked the beginning of an ongoing initiative by the New Lucena Municipal Tourism Office. By harnessing the power of collective knowledge, the town hopes to develop a comprehensive cultural database that can be accessed by residents, tourists, researchers, and future generations alike. This repository of cultural information will serve as a bridge between the past and the present, fostering a sense of pride among residents while offering outsiders a chance to immerse themselves in the town's unique tapestry.


The Cultural Mapping Workshop orchestrated by the New Lucena Municipal Tourism Office is a shining example of how communities can come together to celebrate their roots. Through storytelling, craftsmanship, culinary delights, and interactive mapping, participants embarked on a journey of rediscovery that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. As New Lucena continues to honor its past, it paves the way for an even more culturally enriched future.