| The digital revolution has transformed global connectivity, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the preservation of cultural heritage. In the Philippines, the Batangueño community faces the dual pressures of digital lifestyles, urbanization, and Western cultural influences, threatening the survival of their indigenous knowledge and cultural identity. The decline of traditional knowledge transmission, such as oral storytelling, further exacerbates this risk. In response, the "Bahay-Bahayan" project aims to preserve and promote Batangueño culture through a digital platform that integrates gamification, interactive learning tools, and virtual experiences. This initiative serves as a model for utilizing digital technology to safeguard local knowledge, foster intergenerational engagement, and support cultural sustainability. The platform incorporates educational tools such as quizzes, virtual museum tours, and a leaderboard system, engaging both local residents and visitors while aligning with UNESCO's recommendations for cultural preservation. The methodology of the project follows a developmental research design, integrating data from literature reviews, interviews with cultural stakeholders, and web-based research. System integration and web development processes are central to the project, ensuring seamless user experience across multiple components, including virtual tours and educational games. Utilizing modern web technologies such as ReactJS and Python/Django, the platform was designed with a focus on accessibility, usability, and cultural sensitivity. Usability testing, guided by ISO 9126 standards, revealed high user satisfaction, particularly in terms of attractiveness, ease of use, and educational value. The "Bahay-Bahayan" project represents a significant step in bridging generational gaps, enabling the preservation of Batangueño culture while adapting it to the digital age. Future developments will enhance the platform with mobile responsiveness, multilingual support, and advanced features like virtual reality, ensuring continued relevance and engagement for future generations. This research demonstrates how digital tools, when thoughtfully integrated, can serve as powerful instruments for preserving and promoting cultural heritage, ensuring its continuity in an increasingly globalized world. |
Abbaspoor, M., Pour, N. S., & Bagheri, M. (2021). The role of visual attractiveness in web design: Improving user engagement through animations and multimedia. Journal of Web Design and Development, 15(2), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwd.2021.02.004
Aldakheel, S. (2021). Leveraging digital technology for cultural heritage preservation: UNESCO recommendations. Journal of Cultural Heritage Studies, 15(3), 112-126.
Buted, K., & Maranan, G. L. (2024, November 21). Personal communication during system evaluation with PTCAO. Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, Batangas.
Domingo, M. G. (2021). Virtual reality and cultural heritage: A study of immersive learning applications. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 32(3), 215–232.
Domingo, J. L. (2021). Integrating virtual reality in the preservation of cultural heritage: An exploratory study on immersive learning experiences. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 11(4), 517–531. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-10-2020-0161
Fu, Y., Zhang, L., & Li, H. (2023). Urbanization and cultural heritage: Challenges and innovative solutions. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 28(2), 59-77.
Hasan, R., Kim, J., & Wang, S. (2023). The impact of digital lifestyles on cultural heritage transmission. Heritage & Digital Innovation Journal, 12(4), 98-114.
International Organization for Standardization. (2020). ISO. https://www.iso.org/home.html.
Jorolan-Quintero, B. (2019). Bridging generational gaps in indigenous knowledge through technology. Philippine Journal of Indigenous Studies, 7(1), 35-52.
Lekhi, R. (2019). Western influences and the decline of indigenous traditions. Global Perspectives on Cultural Identity, 14(1), 22-38.
Mainit, A., & Leon, P. (2022). Digital heritage: Connecting youth with cultural roots. Asian Journal of Digital Culture, 19(5), 67-84.
Pevnaya, M., & Bystrova, A. (2019). Digital tools for indigenous knowledge preservation: A case study from Russia. Ethnographic Journal of Digital Societies, 10(2), 88-103.
Zreika, R., Ghanem, S., & Khalaf, T. (2024). Community participation in cultural heritage projects: Economic and social benefits. Journal of Cultural Economy, 21(1), 45-61.
Srinivas, N. (2019). Understanding Indigenous Knowledge Systems: A Framework for Sustainable Development. XYZ Publications.
Sunarno, T., & Supriatna, N. (2023). Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Sustainability. ABC Press.
Tindowen, D. J. (2019). Utilizing local knowledge through digital platforms: Challenges and practices. International Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies, 6(1), 44–56.
Tindowen, D. J. C. (2019). Promoting indigenous culture through digital learning materials. Asian Journal of Education and e-Learning, 7(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.24203/ajeel.v7i1.5678 |