The primary objective of this ethnographic study aims to map the tangible movable and immovable cultural

property of Morong, Bataan which are used as basis for the development of information, education, and

communication (IEC) materials. In gathering the data, objective-data driven field visits, semi-structured

interviews and document analysis which constituted the principles of community cultural mapping were utilized.

conserve it. These were also proven to have historical and social significance and contributed in the development

of the town since the time of the Spanish colonization. The output of the study includes a cultural map, digital

coffee table book and documentary video which will be used to boost the tourism development of the town and

as materials for the teaching of local history.

Keywords: conservation, cultural mapping, cultural properties,

Morong, once known as "Bayandati" and under Nagbalayong's jurisdiction, has a history deeply intertwined with

Philippine heritage. The town's evolution, from a humble settlement to a thriving municipality, reflects the

resilience and cultural richness of its people. Founded by Franciscan friars in 1578, Morong's historical journey

is marked by significant milestones, including its incorporation into the Corregimiento de Mariveles alongside

document its tangible and movable assets. This study aims to delve into Morong's cultural tapestry, focusing on

its tangible, movable, and immovable cultural properties. By understanding their histories, significance, and

preservation efforts, this research seeks to contribute to education, community development, and cultural

appreciation.

This study sought to map the tangible, movable, and immovable cultural properties of Morong, Bataan, with a

focus on their histories, significance, preservation efforts, and potential use in developing information, education,

and communication materials. The study focused on addressing key inquiries regarding the tangible cultural

properties of Morong, Bataan. These inquiries included characterizing immovable cultural properties based on

their historical background, construction year, ownership, status, condition, and notable narratives. Additionally,

the study aimed to characterize movable cultural properties concerning their historical origins, construction or

This study holds significant value for multiple stakeholders. For the community, it plays a crucial role in

enhancing cultural awareness and appreciation, thereby supporting economic, social, and regional development.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) benefits by gaining insights to facilitate heritage conservation efforts and

make informed decisions in policy-making for cultural preservation. Schools gain access to valuable learning

resources that enhance cultural education and deepen students' understanding of Morong's cultural heritage.

Students themselves benefit by gaining a deeper insight into their community's cultural legacy, fostering a sense

of pride and connection. Moreover, this study serves as a foundational resource for future researchers interested

in cultural mapping and heritage preservation, contributing to ongoing scholarly endeavors in this field.

This research delved into the historical and significant tangible, movable, and immovable cultural properties of

Morong, Bataan, employing Participatory Cultural Mapping to gather insights from carefully selected key

This study utilized Participatory Cultural Mapping (PCM) as a collaborative strategy for data collection and

analysis. PCM fosters a partnership between researchers and community members to collectively create cultural

maps (Kingsolver et al., 2017). Decisions about what to map and the mapping process itself are made

collaboratively, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

To achieve accuracy, reliability, and a well-rounded representation of the community's perspective, the study

employed a triangulation method. This involved incorporating multiple data sources, methodologies, and

opportunities for cross-verification.

Multiple Data Sources

Local Stakeholders: Barangay officials, caretakers, and tourism officers provided valuable insights due to their

deep involvement in the community's cultural life.

cultural assets.

Interviews: Key informants were l interviewed to gain in-depth knowledge about specific cultural properties.

Fieldwork: Observing and documenting cultural assets firsthand adds another layer of information.

While not explicitly mentioned, the process allows for some level of cross-verification. Consistency between

information obtained from different sources strengthens the validity of the findings. For instance, if information

from key informants aligns with what local officials report about a cultural asset, it increases confidence in the

data.

The study followed the six-phase NCCA Cultural Mapping Toolkit to conduct a thorough assessment of Morong's

The cultural relevance of the cultural property was assessed with special care. The following assessment criteria,

taken from UNESCO Memory of the World, were used to identify the values of a cultural property that

corresponded to the four (4) primary fields or importance criteria:

(Front view of the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish-Morong)

established four decades ago by the United Nations to aid refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It

functioned as a self-contained community with essential facilities like hospitals, schools, and markets, helping

their artifacts, beliefs, and history. Additionally, abandoned buildings and equipment within BTPI provide

architectural and engineering insights.

(Old and New entrance of Bataan Technological Park Inc.)

(BTPI Museum, Library, and Archives)

(The Four Divine State) (Meditating Golden Buddha)

undergone modifications. Mrs. Galicia painted the well with vibrant colors resembling bricks, including red,

prevent accidents and overflow during high tide. Mrs. Galicia initiated these developments in December 2021,

following a past incident where a child fell into the well.

The Parola or Light Station in Barangay Sabang serves as a crucial navigational aid, located near the Barangay

hall and shoreline. Constructed in 1977, this tall structure emits light to guide local fishermen and prevent

maritime collisions. Despite its age, the station remains operational, having undergone renovation and

maintenance in 2013 by the coast guard. The light bulb atop the lighthouse is original and still functional. Standing

Mabolo (Water Pump). This water pump has been in existence for over 60 years and is affectionately named

after the nearby Mabolo tree. Originally owned by Ronalyn Mamalio, it was constructed through community

efforts to address water scarcity. The pump's purpose was to provide water for various daily needs like drinking,

bathing, and laundry. Over the years, the pump's metal structure has rusted and developed green moss, changing

its original green color to a rust-brown hue. It has undergone alterations and relocation for accessibility, now

standing at 5 feet high when the handle is elevated and 3'10 ft. when lowered. The pump's dimensions, including

the handle, are 1'25 ft. in length and 3'2 ft. in height. Its width varies from 0'4 ft. at the top, 0'5 ft. in the middle,

to 0'9 ft. at the base.