Advocates of language preservation, cultural heritage, and open knowledge gathered for the Bikol WikiConference 2026, held from May 29–31, 2026, at the Sentro ng Wika, Kultura at Sining Building of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)–Pili Campus and the Raul S. Roco Library in Naga City.
Anchored on the theme “Advancing Language and Culture in the Digital Age,” the three-day conference served as a platform for discussions on language preservation, cultural documentation, translation, education, and the promotion of free and accessible knowledge through Wikimedia platforms. The event was co-organized by the PhilWiki Community, CBSUA, the City Government of Naga, and the Nueva Caceres Heritage Movement.
Representing the University, Pili Campus Administrator Dr. Allan Del Rosario emphasized the value of open-access platforms, such as Wikipedia, in supporting research and expanding access to information. Meanwhile, Calabanga Campus Administrator Dr. Jeremy Doloso highlighted the need to develop more writers, editors, and translators to sustain the growth of Bikol languages and literature. Abigail V. Guinoo, Director of the Extension Services Division and representative of Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Dariel A. Palmiano, reaffirmed CBSUA’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the PhilWiki Community in advancing open knowledge and language preservation initiatives.
The conference featured plenary sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and translation activities focusing on Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia, Wikisource, Wikimedia Commons, and Wiktionary. Among the speakers were Naga City Mayor Hon. Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo, Naga City Councilor Hon. David Casper Nathan A. Sergio, and heritage advocate Bernadette F. Roco, who discussed the role of free knowledge, participatory governance, and local culture in the digital age.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the presentation of the CBSUA Wiki Education initiative, which reflects the growing partnership between CBSUA and the PhilWiki Community. The program aims to integrate Wikimedia-based learning into academic and co-curricular activities while promoting digital literacy, open educational resources, and regional language revitalization. CBSUA students Eric F. Mendez and Daisy Joy B. Samulde also presented their initiatives on cultural heritage documentation and the promotion of reliable Bikol-language content on Wikimedia platforms.
The conference likewise featured the recognition of the Cararayan National High School Wiki Club for its contributions to digital literacy and free knowledge initiatives, as well as the launch of Epiko kan Bikol sa Presenteng Panahon by Herman Elgo Bobis and Kuto: Libro nin mga Rawitdawit by Aida Brosas Cirujales. Participants also took part in the 2nd Hablon-Usipon Children’s Book Translation Workshop, which brought together authors, teachers, and students translating children’s stories into various Philippine languages.
With the Bikol WikiConference 2026, CBSUA joined fellow advocates of language, culture, and open knowledge in promoting the preservation of Bikol heritage and expanding access to information through digital platforms for future generations. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘑𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘰, 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘌𝘚𝘋, 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘞𝘪𝘬𝘪
