UNC Wiki Club
| UNC Wiki Club | |
|---|---|
[[Image: | |
| Location | Philippines |
| Country code | PH |
| Founding date | July 21, 2024 |
| Volunteers | 8 |
| Official language(s) | English, Central Bikol |
| Key people | Arch. Josenia Merencillo (coordinator) Juan Paulo Suzara (coordinator) Irvin Sto. Tomas (advisor) |
| Affiliations | PhilWiki Community Bikol Wikipedia Community |
UNC Wiki Club is an extra-curricular club formed by Architecture students and faculty of University of Nueva Caceres on 21 July 2024 during the Bikol Wikisource Training of Trainers.
The Bikol Wikipedia Community, PhilWiki Community, and Commons Photographers User Group had conducted activities at the university to establish collaborations with the second oldest university museum in the country.
Background
[edit]On 4 March 2023, the Bikol Wikipedia Community and PhilWiki Community in partnership with the University of Nueva Caceres organized a forum on Preservation of old publications through Bikol Wikisource attended by BS Library and Information Science, and BS History major students from Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, and University of Nueva Caceres.[1] In June, Engineering and Architecture students and the museum staff, learned about Wikisource and its edition in the Bikol language as well as how the project contributes in the quest for the greater Bicol identity and Filipino identity. The museum curator Juan Paolo Suzara, who is also the president of the newly formed Naga City Museums Association, and long-time Wikipedia contributor Irvin Sto. Tomas identified feasible collaborative projects including digitization, workshops and proofread-a-thons. The PhilWiki Community president Maffeth Opiana and board treasurer Marife Altabano pledged their support to efforts that will make rare publications be more accessible thru open sources like the Wikisource.[2]
Activities
[edit]- Pre-Launching of Wiki Club
The club began with an orientation session led by PhilWiki, introducing members to heritage conservation and Wikimedia’s role in documenting local knowledge. Architecture students were among the first participants, discovering how their field intersects with open knowledge
- Bikol Wikisource Training of Trainers
Members joined a two-day workshop organized by Bicol Wikisource, learning to transcribe historical documents. This experience highlighted the importance of digitization in safeguarding cultural heritage.
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Wikisource Loves Manuscripts training -
Wikisource TOT Day 3 -
Wikisource TOT Graduation and Awarding Ceremony
- GLAM Wiki Conference PH 2024
The club participated in the GLAM Wiki Conference in Vigan City, where members attended lectures on heritage preservation and organized a mini transcription workshop. This event deepened their appreciation for cultural documentation.
- Monthly Contests
Members joined proofreading challenges in Wikisource and contributed to Wiki Loves Food through image uploads. These contests encouraged skill development and active participation in Wikimedia Commons.
- Capacity-Building Workshop
The club collaborated with peers to brainstorm solutions for challenges in Wikimedia initiatives, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term impact.
- catch-Up Session
The catch‑up session highlighted the steady progress of the UNC Wiki Club in aligning with the broader goals of the PhilWiki Community. By revisiting recent activities such as introducing Wikimedia projects to BISCAST Architecture, participating in Wiki Loves competitions, and preparing for upcoming initiatives, the session reinforced the value of collaboration, skill development, and cultural preservation.
The discussion emphasized how advocacy, capacity building, diversity, education, GLAM, and outreach serve as guiding pillars for future involvement. These programs not only strengthen contributor skills but also ensure inclusive participation and sustainable growth.
Looking forward, the club is positioned to take part in significant opportunities, including the Cebu Wiki Conference, and heritage-focused events. The session concluded with a clear sense of direction: to continue promoting open knowledge, expanding partnerships, and contributing meaningfully to the Wikimedia movement.
- Cebu Wiki Conference PH 2025
The Cebu Wiki Conference served as a meaningful platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and community building within the Wikimedia movement. Through presentations, workshops, and discussions, participants gained deeper insights into the role of Wikimedia in heritage preservation, education, and digital literacy. The event highlighted the importance of advocacy, diversity, and capacity building as essential pillars for sustaining open knowledge initiatives. By bringing together contributors from different backgrounds, the conference reinforced the value of collective effort in addressing challenges and expanding opportunities for engagement. It also emphasized how local communities, such as student-led clubs, can align with global Wikimedia goals while contributing unique perspectives and content. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen partnerships, encourage inclusive participation, and continue promoting free knowledge as a shared resource. Its impact extends beyond the sessions, inspiring future projects and collaborations that will further enrich the Wikimedia ecosystem.
- training of trainers year 2
The Training of Trainers Year 2 in Naga City, Camarines Sur underscored the importance of equipping contributors with the skills and confidence needed to sustain Wikimedia initiatives. Serving as part of the speaker lineup provided an opportunity to share knowledge, highlight practical experiences, and inspire participants to see the broader impact of their contributions. The session emphasized not only technical skills such as transcription and editing, but also the values of collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural preservation. By engaging with diverse participants, the program strengthened the collective capacity of the community and reinforced the role of Wikimedia as a platform for open knowledge. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and innovation, ensuring that the lessons shared will continue to guide future contributors in advancing both local heritage and the global Wikimedia movement.
Members
[edit]- Mryjysgrr24
- Yanni_00
- Chammy17
- Sigridtaurien
- Ikahh
- Els1523
- Louiesemendez
- Maicah24