GLAM Wiki Conference Philippines 2024/Report/Marife.altabano

The GLAM Wiki Conference Philippines 2024 is a national event that brings together cultural heritage professionals from galleries, libraries, archives, and museums with the vibrant Wikimedia communities in the Philippines. This conference serves as a platform for exchanging experiences, sharing innovative ideas, and discussing the results of collaborations regarding open digital resources and cultural preservation—encompassing both tangible and intangible heritage. Attendees also address the practical challenges they encounter and the solutions they have developed.

Held in Vigan, Philippines, from September 20 to 22, 2024, this was my fourth conference since I joined the Wikimedia movement in 2020. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the PhilWiki Community for providing me with sponsorship to participate in this enriching gathering.

Role

During the conference, I carried out roles as below:

• Facilitator, GLAM Wiki Conference 2024
• Participant, Wiki Takes Vigan

Things learned at the conference

Day 0

The bus trip from Naga to Vigan took approximately 24 hours. We left at 8:15 p.m. and arrived at the Cuidad Fernandina Hotel the next day at 8:05 p.m. After the long and tiring journey, we freshened up and left the comfort of our hotel bed to explore the area. We wanted to experience the beauty of the famous Calle Crisologo, where we found a restaurant to enjoy our dinner. The meal was both delicious and filling.

Day 1

Exploring Vigan: A Cultural and Wildlife Adventure at the Conference Kickoff

On the first day of the conference in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, attendees were welcomed with an engaging kickoff event. The morning started with a Wiki Takes Vigan photo walk, where participants explored the picturesque streets and historical landmarks of Vigan while capturing stunning photographs. This activity aimed to showcase the city’s unique beauty and cultural heritage. Participants wandered through Vigan's cobblestone streets, photographing its Spanish-era ancestral houses and other significant sites. The walk not only provided a creative outlet for attendees but also emphasized the importance of documenting and sharing local culture through photography.

During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit the Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo. The resort offered a beautiful setting with landscaped gardens and stunning views. The Mini Zoo featured a variety of animals, allowing us to observe and learn about local wildlife up close. We enjoyed walking through the exhibits and taking in the sights and sounds of the animals around us, not forgetting to capture photographs. Some adventurous attendees even took the opportunity to pose for pictures with a snake.

Opening Highlights

Another thing, the opening program commenced at the Old Carcel Museum, where Mr. Paolo Mar A. Chan, the Head of the National Museum of the Philippines—Ilocos, welcomed attendees by introducing the museum’s mandate, programs, and services. This was followed by a keynote address from Dr. Sakti Pramudya, the Senior Partnerships Manager for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific at the Wikimedia Foundation. The first lecture, titled "The Founding of the Villa Fernandina in Vigan," was presented by Prof. Danilo M. Gerona, PhD, the Director of the Center for Partido Studies at Partido State University in Goa, Camarines Sur. Subsequently, Fr. Edmundo C. Castañeda Jr., the President of St. Ferdinand College in the City of Ilagan and Vicar General of the Diocese of Ilagan, spoke on "Linguistic Hospitality: The Risks of Translating P. Payo's 1867 Ibanag-Spanish Dictionary into English." The event concluded with a Q&A session.

Dinner and Socials Night

Most importantly, the night's highlight was the dinner and socials at Cuidad Fernandina Hotel, where we experienced a warm atmosphere, delicious meals, and the chance to connect with friends and other participants with the games crafted with love by the facilitators.

Day 2

On the second day of the conference, I participated in several engaging sessions. The day began with a series of lightning talks, including "My Wiki Loves Folklore Journey" by Mr. Hertbert Kikoy from the PhilWiki Community, "Walking in Maligcong Rice Terraces: Tracing Pathways of Support" by Ms. Khate B. Martinez from the Center for Rinconada Culture and Arts, and "Katilingban ug Sugbuanun: Community and the Cebuano in the Digital World" by Mr. Elmer Montejo, also from the PhilWiki Community. This was followed by a lecture on "Introduction to Macro Photography" by Mr. Mark Kineth Casindac and another on "Wiki Loves Philippines" by Ms. Maffeth Sto. Tomas, both from the PhilWiki Community. Two important lectures were presented via video: Dr. Jesusa Bibe-Taumatorgo discussed the role of higher education institutions in conserving Indigenous cultural identities through the LADAWAN Museum, while Mr. Elbert O. Baeta shared insights on the local framework for documenting Indigenous knowledge in the Rinconada District. Mr. Jerome M. Hipolito delivered a lecture on "CBSUA Wiki Education and Glocal Knowledge," while Mr. Irvin P. Sto. Tomas provided a working lunch lecture on "Wikisource Loves Manuscripts." The day concluded with a "Proofreading Wikisource Workshop," led by a team from the College of Architecture and Engineering at the University of Nueva Caceres. To wrap up the day, we visited the Ilocos Regional Museum Complex and the Crisologo Museum.

Day 3

It's the last day of the conference. We left the hotel early and had our breakfast on the bus as we headed to Ilocos Norte. Our first stop was the Welcome Arch of Ilocos Norte, where we took some pictures, and then we picked up our beloved tour guide, Sir Jessie, from the tourism office. We were given a tourist passport, and as we passed each important site during our bus ride, Sir Jessie diligently explained its significance and importance. After an approximately two-hour bus trip, we arrived at our first destination: the Paoay Sand Dunes Adventures (Suba). Here, we experienced the thrill of a ride on a 4x4 vehicle, and our group chose the extreme ride, which was so much fun with our driver. We took pictures at various famous spots in the dunes. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try sandboarding because my fear outweighed my excitement. Overall, though, it was indeed a great experience. Next, we received our certificates at the façade of Malacañang of the North, which was a first for them. We then explored the mansion and took more pictures. The receiving area was grand, but I was in awe of the view of the lake behind the mansion. For lunch, we headed to La Preciosa Ilocos Corp., and the food was delicious. The closing program was also held there. We visited the Paoay Church last.

Things the participant contributed or participated in or since the conference

• Served as one of the facilitators of the conference
• Participated in the Wiki Takes Vigan
• Shared my experience through helping other participants in the Wikisource workshop.

Plans after the conference (from what was learned or contributed in the conference)

• We are planning to maintain connections formed during the conference to collaborate on future projects that enhance digital resources related to local heritage.
• I would also share it with my students, colleagues, and CNHS Wiki Club members.

Comments/suggestions about the conference

• I would like to commend the dedication and efforts of the organizer of the conference for a job well done. More conferences in the future to come.