Cultural heritage stands as a cornerstone of community identity, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements that embody a population's history, traditions, and values (UNESCO, 2003). In an era of rapid globalization and technological advancement, the preservation of these cultural assets has become increasingly critical to maintaining cultural identity and fostering sustainable development (Estonanto et al., 2019).

The Philippines, with its rich tapestry of cultures, has recognized the importance of cultural heritage preservation through the enactment of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Republic Act No. 10066, known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. These legislative measures aim to protect the country's artistic and historic wealth while addressing conservation challenges through an integrated approach (Besmonte, n.d.).

Cultural mapping has emerged as a pivotal tool in this preservation effort. Defined by Duxbury et al. (2015) as "an approach used to identify, record, and use cultural resources and activities for building communities," cultural mapping allows communities to systematically document what holds significance for them. This process not only aids local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders in recognizing and documenting their community's cultural assets but also fosters heritage appreciation, protection, and utilization (Pillai, 2003).

In the Philippine context, cultural mapping is mandated for all LGUs by both the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Seal of Good Local Governance (Rabang, 2015). This requirement underscores the critical role that local communities play in safeguarding their cultural heritage. Through cultural mapping projects, LGUs can identify the extensive range of cultural properties within their jurisdictions and understand how these resources can contribute not only to cultural development but also to social, economic, and political progress (Borja, 2019).

Ilocos Norte, a province in the northern Philippines, boasts a cultural landscape deeply rooted in a network of beliefs, customs, and traditions passed down through generations. These practices, inherited from a diverse ancestry, remain integral to the Ilokano identity, providing guidance and continuity to the community (Galeon, 2019). Within this rich cultural tapestry lies the Municipality of Marcos, one of the youngest in Ilocos Norte, established in 1963.

Despite its youth, Marcos possesses a wealth of cultural heritage that remains largely undocumented and unmapped. As of 2023, records from the local government unit (LGU) indicate the identification of only four cultural assets, with no further documentation available. This gap in documentation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for comprehensive cultural mapping.

The potential benefits of such an initiative extend beyond mere documentation. Cultural mapping can serve as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development, a sector increasingly recognized for its economic potential in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2020), the tourism industry contributed 12.7% to the country's GDP in 2019, highlighting its significance to the national economy. By identifying and promoting its unique cultural assets, Marcos could position itself as a distinctive cultural tourism destination within Ilocos Norte.

Moreover, cultural mapping aligns with global sustainable development goals. UNESCO's Culture|2030 Indicators framework emphasizes the role of culture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as sustainable cities, decent work, economic growth, and quality education (UNESCO, 2019). By undertaking a comprehensive cultural mapping initiative, Marcos can contribute to these broader global objectives while simultaneously preserving its local heritage.

The process of cultural mapping also offers an opportunity for community engagement and empowerment. By involving local residents, cultural workers, and community organizations in the documentation and preservation of cultural assets, the municipality can foster a sense of ownership and pride in its heritage. This participatory approach aligns with contemporary best practices in heritage management, which emphasize community-led conservation efforts (Idilfitri, 2016).

In light of these considerations, this study proposes a comprehensive cultural mapping initiative for the Municipality of Marcos, focusing specifically on tangible cultural assets. By conducting a thorough inventory of its tangible cultural heritage, Marcos can enhance its cultural identity, promote sustainable tourism, and actively engage the local community in preservation efforts. This initiative aims not only to unlock the tourism potential of Marcos but also to safeguard its cultural heritage for future generations, contributing to the broader tapestry of Philippine cultural preservation (Reshma et al., 2023).

As we embark on this study, we recognize the dynamic nature of cultural heritage and the need for adaptive management strategies. The findings from this cultural mapping exercise will serve as a foundation for informed decision-making, policy formulation, and sustainable development planning in Marcos. It is our hope that this research will not only contribute to the academic discourse on cultural heritage preservation but also provide practical insights for other municipalities seeking to undertake similar initiatives (Clark & Young, 1995). 

●      Publication. Publication of the output in a reputable journal.

●      Policy. Results can be a basis for the Local Government Unit of Marcos, Ilocos Norte, for the integration into local plans, programs, and projects to further enhance the values, relevance, and contribution to the community’s quality of life.

●      People Services. Provide training and workshops to relevant stakeholders to strengthen community involvement in cultural preservation and protection.

●      Places. Improvement of existing sites and landmarks with cultural significance and the development of areas with potentially high cultural meaning.

●      Partnership. Partnership between MMSU and LGU Marcos for program and project development

●      Paper for Presentation