Getting the youth involved in research and culture presents them with opportunities to enrich their personal development and prepare them to become active members of society.

Technology University of the Philippines (TUP) professor Victor James Escolano, has emphasized the importance of the youth's participation in examining historical events and cultural heritage and contributing to contemporary knowledge and understanding.

“I believe that there is a great potential for young people to participate, through research, in looking at what has happened in the past so that we can contribute to the new knowledge we face,” Escolano said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency’s Usapang PIA program.

Acknowledging its profound impact on individuals, communities, and the society as a whole, Escolano has called for a holistic approach to intensifying research and culture. 

"It [strengthening research and culture] should be a holistic process, and not exclusive in the academe. It serves as our guide and compass as to what direction we want to take. If we want to progress, of course we have to think of our culture. If we want to be progressive, we have to go back to our culture because it will serve as our road and direction for the future,” 

Escolano cited the efforts being done by Biñan City, his hometown, in reviving and strengthening their culture by conducting research-based preservation projects with the support of the city government. 

“In Biñan, our [city] government is producing projects that are being revitalized and elevating the standard of our culture,” he said.

Over the years, Biñan City has achieved a balance between economic growth and embracing its unique heritage and history. Projects and initiatives, including the Balik-Biñan Project, the creation of the city's 10-Year Tourism Development Plan, and the Biñan City Cultural Inventory and Mapping Project were intended for heritage conservation and tourism planning.

“Almost all developing cities are moving towards modernization. Biñan is different-- we are moving backward, We are returning to the abundant history and culture of Biñan, and we want to show that we were like that before and that we cannot forget it,” Mayor Arman Dimaguila said in a separate interview. 

Meanwhile, Escolano emphasized that strengthening culture and research also contributes to the vitality and resilience of cultural communities and societies. It is essential to invest in initiatives that empower youth to explore, preserve, and innovate within their cultural contexts.

“When it comes to research, we do it to contribute knowledge. And when we contribute knowledge, we need to look at what is the past and the culture that we have because we can use it to intensify the contribution in the society. ” he said.

He added: “ We [the] young people are still the ones who should promote this. Rather than viewing it as a school requirement, let us look at how we can provide a new blend, new knowledge, and new things that we can share with the next generation.”(AM/PIA 4A)

Usapang PIA is a weekly radio program by the Philippine Information Agency Laguna, streaming live every Friday, 11:00am-11:30am on DZJV 1458 kHz Radyo Calabarzon and Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON and PIA Laguna Facebook pages.