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Leading to the celebration of the 500-year anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021, the Diocese of Dumaguete has partnered with a telecommunications company to set Quick Response (QR) interactive markers to make way for a digital tourism experience.
Bishop Julito Cortes of Diocese of Dumaguete said this is part of the preparations for 2021, which marks the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country, with March 2020 to March 2021 as a Holy Year.
Smart Communications Visayas-Mindanao Public Affairs Head Maria Jane Paredes recently turned over the initial seven QR code markers to Cortes which will be installed in parish churches.
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Using the QR code markers, pilgrims, tourists, and students can access accurate information and explore heritage churches and monuments using their mobile phones.
The digital tourism program harnesses technology to deliver cultural, historical, and travel information to mobile users.
Under the program, the QR codes and near field communication chips will be installed in every church heritage structure and when scanned through a mobile device, it will open a web link on the user’s smartphone.
Paredes said through these markers, the tourist and the pilgrims can get information on a particular site right away.
The information provided has been carefully curated and validated by the Diocese and Commission on Cultural Heritage.
“This is to help also catechize the pilgrims especially the young ones because mobile technology is their arena, so we also hope to draw attention on the youth sector,” added Paredes.
“The Rome will allow us in the Philippines to declare thru the CBCP that 13 churches in every Diocese can grant plenary indulgences, like in the Diocese of Dumaguete my hope we can declare the following churches to receive indulgence Cathedral, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, and Bayawan in the south and then Sibulan, Amlan, San Jose, Tanjay, Bais, Manjuyod and Jimalalud,” the bishop said.
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With this, Cortes wants the seven churches to start the QR markers that also link to a prayer and other spiritual exercises, and expand eventually to all the churches that will be declared to receive indulgences in 2020-2021.
For now, the markers will be installed at the churches of Dumaguete Cathedral, Bacong, Dauin , Francis of Asisi of Siquijor, San Juan, Lazi, Maria, Larena, and Talingting while church heritage QR markers are in various stages of completion.
Digital tourism involves the creation of apps, mobile guides, and interactive materials that give tourists and locals comprehensive and localized information about various destinations in the country, including heritage sites, nature parks, historic cities, and churches. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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