MANILA – Google heads off to another historic Philippine city for the second local digital exhibit under Google Cultural Institute, this time in Iloilo in the Visayas.
In partnership with the University of the Philippines Western Visayas (UP Western Visayas), Google curated pictures and facts about Iloilo’s rich history from its pre-colonial roots up to the 20th century.
Founded in 2011, Google Cultural Institute has been touring around the globe to preserve important cultural material digitally and making it available and accessible to everyone. Its first Philippine feature went online last June titled Manila Reborn, which is about the post-war reconstruction of the Capital.
A total of four digital exhibits were created by Google and UP Western Visayas to uncover intimate details about Iloilo like its rural beginnings and the architecture of landmarks such as the Miagao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jaro Cathedral, and the Molo Church.
Iloilo’s prosperity from the textile and sugar export trades can be seen in its grandiose ancestral homes, and in the construction of a number of public buildings also featured on the Cultural Institute. Prime examples include Iloilo’s first City Hall and the Baluarte Elementary School, the first public school in the Philippines established in 1905.
Another exhibit on the River Esplanade also puts the spotlight on the importance of Iloilo River in history and the government’s bid to protect it and promote environmental consciousness among Ilonggos.
“The Philippines has such a rich culture to be proud of. Every city and every province has something to show off and the Cultural Institute aims to make all these available to everyone in a format most accessible to them —- digital. This is our effort to educate and inspire future generations,” said Dennis Dizon, Google Cultural Institute Program Manager.
