Philippine E-Journals

Optimizing Sites for Dark Tourism in Los Baños, Laguna for Learning History and Filipino Identity

Shayne Elsbeth S. Canicosa | Giel Franselle C. Ruanes | Maricon P. Volpane

 

Abstract:

The study identified the sites for dark tourism in Los Baños, Laguna as key learning places for history and identity, the relevant and significant elements of these dark tourism sites that can be used to enhance learning in history and Filipino identity; and determined how these elements be optimized in learning local history and Filipino identity. These sites are the Baker Hall and Freedom Park in the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), Immaculate Concepcion Church, Masaharu Homma and Tomoyuki Yamashita Memorial Monuments. Dark tourism is relatively new in the Philippines since there is no known research study about dark tourism though the term has been used in other countries. This descriptive-qualitative study performed a key informant interview with five (5) key informants- one historian, one survivor in the Second World War, two oral historians and one tourism officer. The oral historians were those people chosen randomly. Observation was also made during interview. For the survivor of the Second World War, a memory matrix was used by showing the old and new pictures of the dark tourism sites for them to easily remember and can share their experiences and knowledge during the war period. Eight (8) themes and twenty-eight (28) codes were identified. Results showed that the said historical places can be considered as site for Dark Tourism. The data gathered can be used to enrich the knowledge and understanding towards the sites. Thus, it can help the local residents and the basic education students in Los Baños to distinguish their identity as a Filipino. Based on the findings, the Municipality of Los Baños should document the historical archives and old photos of the said sites prior to the Second World War for educational purposes. The Tourism Office of Los Baños should create brochures, websites and social media pages to promote the sites. Moreover, the Tourism Office of Los Baños can use the dark tourism brochure, touring script and dark tourism package we made. For the Grade 7 Basic Education Students in Los Baños, the histories of these sites should be included in their subject, Araling Asyano which is part of the Araling Panlipunan curriculum.