In the picturesque town of Gumaca, Quezon, Philippines, historic architecture is at risk of being replaced by soulless structures. Jerameel Recodig, a hospitality and tourism management senior at Brigham Young University-Hawaii (BYUH), is leading the charge to save his hometown's rich historical legacy. Drawing inspiration from the transformation of historic structures in Denver, Colorado, Recodig has founded "The Historic Gumaca," a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the town's heritage. This article explores Recodig's journey, initiatives, and challenges as he strives to make a lasting impact on Gumaca's architectural heritage.
Denver's Success Stories
Recodig's awakening to the possibilities of heritage preservation came during a visit to Denver, Colorado. Witnessing the revitalization of historical structures into vibrant hotels, restaurants, and museums by organizations like Historic Denver left an indelible mark on him. The contrast with his hometown, where cherished buildings were being demolished, fueled Recodig's determination to bring about change. He realized that mourning was not the only option; action could be taken to save Gumaca's architectural treasures.
Establishing "The Historic Gumaca"
Motivated by the success stories in Denver, Recodig gathered a team of 10 BYUH students to establish "The Historic Gumaca." This nonprofit aims to revitalize Gumaca's legacy via community engagement, acknowledgment, and restoration initiatives. The organization has a distinguished group of professionals on its board of directors and incorporators, including members of the Department of Tourism, the University of the Philippines, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the local government. It is currently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The First Victory
Recodig proudly shares that the collective efforts of "The Historic Gumaca" have already yielded results. The organization successfully prevented the demolition of one of the town's most historic structures. This initial victory serves as a testament to the potential impact of grassroots movements in preserving cultural heritage.
Recodig's Personal Journey
Recodig's journey into heritage preservation started with demolishing his favorite historic building in Gumaca. The emotional loss became the catalyst for his advocacy. Recodig reminisces about the unique beauty of the architecture, and he draws parallels with the successes of Historic Denver, affirming that if they could save structures like the Molly Brown House, he could do the same for Gumaca.
Initiatives and Challenges
Embarking on this mission was not without its challenges for Recodig. Uncertain of where to start, he conducted extensive research, joined heritage groups on social media, and directly reached out to individuals for guidance. Leveraging technology, Recodig drafted an ordinance to preserve the town's cultural and historical heritage structures. The ordinance, currently under government review, is poised to become an official law in Gumaca, marking a significant step towards heritage conservation.
A Vision for the Future
Collaborating with a city councilor, Recodig's vision extends beyond the ordinance. He aims to establish a permanent tourism department wholly dedicated to supporting heritage preservation. Recognizing the complexity of tourism, Recodig envisions a staffed department within the local government unit committed to the undivided responsibility of safeguarding Gumaca's unique cultural and historical treasures.
Jerameel Recodig's journey exemplifies the power of one individual to ignite change and preserve the soul of a community. As "The Historic Gumaca" continues its mission, Recodig's vision for a future where Gumaca's heritage is cherished, protected, and celebrated inspires communities facing similar challenges worldwide.
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