In the small town of San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte, the past echoes through the voices of its Children Museum Guides, cultural ambassadors as young as eight years old from San Nicolas Elementary School.

They illuminate the Museo San Nicoleño, popularly known as Buabobuabo, a place with historical significance as it once served as the town’s water reservoir.

As the present faces of the town, these budding historians bridge the gap between the rich history of San Nicolas and the possibilities of its future. 

They showcase their talents and knowledge of the town’s cultural heritage through a well-crafted contextualization script, guiding museum-goers seamlessly into the past.

The town’s initiative to promote local heritage to visitors through the Children Museum Guides emerged from the San Nicolas Cultural Heritage Conservation Program developed in 2004. 

The program’s slogan is “Cultural Heritage, Makakain Ba 'Yan? Maituturo! (Cultural Heritage, Can It be Eaten? It's Taught!)", aims to address the misconception that there is no viable means of livelihood through promoting one’s own culture.

With the supervision of San Nicolas tourism officer Richie Cavinta and the support of the San Nicolas government and San Nicolas Elementary School, the program not only brought the Museo San Nicoleño to life and revived its centuries-old Damili (pottery) industry and crafts but also increased knowledge about the town’s culture and history as well as youth participation.

The program’s endeavors extended beyond these achievements. 

To further deepen and broaden the knowledge about the town’s history and the crucial role of the Children Museum Guide on heritage sustainability, a collaborative phenomenological research initiative took place, namely "Pamana sa Mata ng mga Bata (Heritage in the Eyes of the Child): A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Student Tour Guides on Heritage Sustainability - The Case of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

The study highlighted that the contributions of the student guides “serve as a key for deeper connection as it substantially introduces the tourists to the history of the place and connects the community with their culture and history.”

Cavinta adds, “The study wanted to look at the contribution of children in culture, tourism, education, and even development. The task is of a high level. The task is to [facilitate] the role of children in community and nation building.”

This research effort involved the active participation of the Children Museum Guides, and cooperation from the Department of Education, the Department of Tourism, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics. 

Such a commitment to cultural heritage preservation not only safeguards the local heritage of San Nicolas but also instills a sense of identity and pride among its residents.

The town’s dedication to nurturing its cultural legacy has earned it various accolades, including the Best Tourism Research at the PEARL Awards of the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) in 2022, under the Best Tourism Research, All Levels Category and received recognition at the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office's SIRIB AWARDS 2023. 

Additionally, Museo San Nicoleño proudly stands as the first DOT-accredited museum in Region 1.

“Every museum-goer is special for us because it is not only reciting our scripts but it is a privilege to tell everyone, not only the locals of San Nicoleño, but also government officials and tourists about our town, the history, and culture of San Nicolas. We are very grateful because at such a young age we were able to meet, influence, and inspire them,” said Precious Bernardo, one of the young tour guides. 

“The program does not only benefit tourism but also the child. It gives them a sense of experience and knowledge about the town and to truly embrace the culture and heritage of their hometown. This program should not be only in San Nicolas but also in different areas so kids can experience the fun and excitement that we feel as tour guides. It also helps them to know more about their town and love it more as they learn their culture,” added Daphne Queja, also one of the young tour guides, presently studying at the San Nicolas National High School. 

At the core of San Nicolas, the Children Museum Guides embody the essence of cultural heritage preservation and community connection. Through their knowledge, passion, and dedication, these young minds serve not only as stewards of history but also as an inspiration for communities striving to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage. (JCR/MJTAB/CMA PIA Ilocos Norte)