TARLAC CITY (PIA) — Students from Tarlac State University (TSU) College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA), in coordination with the Tarlac Tourism Office, have integrated Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology into selected dioramas at the Diwa ng Tarlac cultural center to enhance visitor engagement and boost tourism in the province.
The said project, made by TSU CAFA students Christian Jay Mayo, Kelly Shaye Pamintuan, and Kerby Dave Tanglao, allows visitors to access historical narratives, images, and other materials by tapping NFC-enabled smartphones to the embedded NFC tags in dioramas.
Mayo said the project aims to make museum visits more interactive in support of the tourism of the province.
“Makakatulong po ito sa turismo ng Tarlac kasi mas nagiging modern at mas engaging ang museum experience (This is will help the tourism of Tarlac because museum experience becomes modern and more engaging)” he said.
Mayo added that the technology could serve as an added feature to attract more visitors.
The NFC system was applied to dioramas featuring the province’s cultural and historical highlights, including churches, traditional dances and performances, and notable events such as the Capas Death March.
The technology was also integrated into exhibits featuring historical sites such as the Ferro-Carril de Tarlac and the Casa-Real de Tarlac
Acting Provincial Tourism Officer Diogenes Simbol said the project introduces modern technology in presenting local heritage.
“Yung project ng mga bata na NFC dito sa museo ng kanlahai ay napakalaking tulong sa amin kasi dinadala niya yung maka bagong teknolohiya sa aspeto ng culture and heritage (The NFC project of the students here in Museo ng Kanlahi is a huge help for us because this brings modern technology in culture and heritage),” he stated.
Simbol also added that the system improves accessibility, particularly for persons with hearing impairments, as they can access information independently through their mobile devices without the need for a tour guide.
The integration of NFC technology to the exhibits inside the museum supports the ongoing efforts of the Tarlac Tourism Office to strengthen cultural and historical tourism of the province. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
