Abstract
Cultural heritage is a resemblance of the past carrying stories that are significant in today’s time hence, its preservation is paramount. This research aimed to determine the local perspectives on the preservation of the Jesuit House of 1730 in Cebu’s Parian District, focusing on its historical and cultural significance, as well as the challenges and opportunities surrounding its conservation. To elicit pertinent data regarding the topic of inquiry, a qualitative research design grounded in descriptive narrative inquiry was employed. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen local settlers divided into two age groups (50–65 years old and 25 years old and below) and two key stakeholders from the site’s management and the local government unit (LGU). Purposive sampling was used to ensure participants represented the community’s diverse cultural experiences linked to the Jesuit House. Findings reveal a shared recognition of the Jesuit House’s cultural value but also highlight its limited visibility and awareness among locals, particularly the younger generation. Older residents recall fragments of its historical narrative, whereas many younger participants, despite being digitally active, remain largely unfamiliar with the site due to its concealed location behind a hardware store and lack of robust promotion. This gap underscores the need for a holistic, community-centered preservation strategy that goes beyond maintaining the physical structure to include educational programs, enhanced signage, digital storytelling, and increased local involvement. Challenges identified include inconsistent funding, delayed implementation of heritage policies, outdated exhibits, and insufficient communication between stakeholders, which collectively hinder the site’s full cultural potential. Meanwhile, opportunities exist in expanding educational outreach, leveraging social media platforms, modernizing exhibits, and improving the museum’s spatial organization through future expansion initiatives. The research concludes that the Jesuit House’s sustainable preservation depends on a balanced approach combining community participation, innovative public-private partnerships, and integration of traditional heritage values with modern engagement techniques. Such efforts can transform the Jesuit House from a concealed relic into a dynamic cultural landmark that embodies and celebrates Cebu’s rich history for present and future generations.
