Historical Analysis on Ancestral Houses: Heritage Tourism of Juban

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The province of Sorsogon hosts lots of old houses that can be found in different municipalities, most likely, found in the municipality of Juban are the old houses which can be seen along South Luzon Maharlika Highway. Seems like the locals are not even familiar with the purpose of the old houses including their similarities and differences during the Spanish period and present which can bridge us from the historical root of the town. Though the town holds a heritage site not recognized by the country as one of the heritage places, the researcher exhibited that it can be beneficial for the community from which a tourism site can be developed and be transformed into a national historical site.

METHODS

Designed using historical analysis which involved the evaluation and synthesis of data on the purpose, similarities and differences of the old houses from the Spanish era and relating the implications to the present and future time, the study used documents, relics and artifacts, and reports as sources of data. As to oral reports, key informants involved 80 residents of barangay South and North Poblacion and were identified using the random sampling technique.

RESULTS

The old houses of Juban were used as residential houses by some families who are believed to be the richest clan in the municipality of Juban which include the Bendillo, Guevara, Grajo, Alindogan and Gorospe clan. At present time, some of the old houses are used as residential house namely: Olondriz, Grajo and the Gorospe Ancestral House. The old houses along the Maharlika Highway specifically the Alindogan, Guarin and Grajo ancestral houses serves as tourist attraction to the tourists and visitors of the municipality. Similarities and differences of the use and functionality of the old houses of Juban is at an average extent, because some of the old house were still used as residential houses while others serve different uses, such as function hall and lodging. The use of Advocacy Video Program on Bahay na Bato Old Houses of Juban will contribute to the developing tourism of Juban.

DISCUSSIONS

This study shows the use of the old houses during the Spanish era in terms of history and in the present time in terms of functionality including their similarities and differences and may be subjected for a further study for historical context. Historical documents of this old houses may be a big help for future researchers which can give a justifiable output and outcome for the continuous development of the tourism industry in Juban.