Dr. Cristita G. Guerra, DOUS Executive Director; Ms. Rubylyn C. Narra, DMMMSU-MLUC Head Librarian; Ms. Claire F. Pascua, DOUS Library in-charge; and Ms. Sheena R. Pardilla, DMMMSU-NLUC Librarian, members of La Union Center for Ilokano Studies Technical Working Group (TWG) joined the Provicial Government of La Union in a Benchmarking Activity at the Province of Pampanga on November 10-12, 2022.

The benchmarking team was lead by Hon. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, Provincial Governor; and Mr. Arthur S. Cortez, Jr., Provincial Tourism Officer.

Day 1 of the benchmarking activity started with a visit to the Clark Museum or the Museong Kapampangan where the team was able to learned about the rich heritage and humble beginnings of the Kapampangans. Afterwards, the team also had an amazing experience at the Clark 4D Theatre where they witnessed the resiliency of the Kapampangans, how they were able to rise above the ashes after the eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. The team also toured at the New Clark City where they saw the state-of-the-art Athletics Stadium. The team was also spoiled with sumptuous authentic Kapampangan cuisine which made their benchmarking activity a lot more enjoyable.

Day 2 highlighted the team’s visit to the Provincial Capitol of Pampanga where they learned about Pampanga’s rich culture and how they preserve it, then to Pampanga’s famous lantern factory. The team benchmarked on the best practices of Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies. The team also went to the Clark International Airport to benchmark on their best practices and create a dialogue for possible future partnerships.

Day 3 of the benchmarking activity ended with the team’s visit to the Bale-baleyan (Museum for the Poor and Center for Transformation through the Arts), Angeles City where they were warmly welcomed by a lively performance on percussion instruments majority of which are made of bamboo sticks. Bale-balayan aims to be inclusive and open for everyone who wishes to visit and learn about the rich culture of the Kapampangans. Bale-balayan also serves as venue for underprivileged children to experience and learn about indigenous musical instruments.

The team was able to immerse and learn from the rich, relevant and innovative initiatives on culture, arts and tourism of the Kapampangans. These learnings and experiences from this benchmarking activity will serve as the team’s guide and stepping stone as they embark towards the establishment of the Elyukano Center for Ilokano Studies. (Sheena R. Pardilla)