Cultural Mapping Journey: Mappers And Technical Writers’ Experience

The Local Government of Narra, through the Municipal Tourism Development and Promotions Office (MTDPO) and the Municipal Culture and Art Unit (MCAU) in Palawan, initiated a Cultural Mapping Program in August 2022. This program, assisted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is the first of its kind in Narra. It involves 12 Mapping Groups working across 23 barangays, comprising cultural mappers and technical writers tasked with producing the program's outputs. However, challenges arose, slowing progress. The MCAU aims to address these gaps through this study, which captures the experiences of cultural mappers and technical writers. Using triangulation, key findings reveal that respondents faced similar challenges. Training was insufficient for them to understand their roles, and cultural mappers required further skills development, travel allowances, devices, materials, and better collaboration with technical writers. Technical writers, often educators or administrators, struggled with institutional responsibilities, conflicts with mappers, and needed skilled support. The study's findings will guide MCAU in organizing future Cultural Mapping Projects. By improving training, resources, and coordination, Narra hopes to foster stronger collaboration between mappers and writers, ensuring the program's success in preserving cultural heritage.