Glen Patrick Camante, News, Center for Museology and Heritage Studies
The Chief of Center for Museology and Heritage Studies, Dr. Romeo P. Peña, as testament to the University’s strong research culture, was named recipient of the prestigious research grant given by the Japanese organization The Sumitomo Foundation.
Peña’s research “Kinichi Ishikawa and His Role in the Golden Tagalog Literature During the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines” was selected for its relevance, innovation, and its potential impact. His work was among of the 66 grantees chosen from a pool of 891 applicants from 21 countries. He is one of the only three Filipino researchers to receive such distinction.
Peña shared in his Facebook post that it was his first time applying for The Sumitomo Foundation. Notably, he added, this is the first time that the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has been selected for this aforementioned prestigious research grant.
His research aims to explore the contributions of noted writer and translator Kinichi Ishikawa to Tagalog literature during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and to shed light on the cultural exchanges that occurred during this period. By examining his influence, the project seeks to deepen the understanding of the historical and cultural context of the era, while highlighting the resilience and creativity of Filipino writers.
The grant, which will run from April 2025 until March 2026, will provide essential support for Peña’s research, enabling him to access archival materials, conduct fieldwork, and collaborate with both Filipino and Japanese scholars. The project is expected to contribute significantly to literary history, offering new insights into the cultural dynamics of the Japanese occupation and enriching our understanding of the evolution of Tagalog literature.
The Sumitomo Foundation, established in 1991, was a Japanese non-profit organization that support a wide of wide range of research projects across Asia. Its goal is to sustain research productions through proper funding in their respective and dedicated disciplines and to offer solutions for the development of human society. Annually, the foundation was accepting Japan-related research projects to encourage and support international mutual understanding, especially between Japan and other Asian nations.
Peña’s accomplishment underscores the research excellence of the Sintang Paaralan, showcasing the expertise of the University faculty across various fields and discipline. It further opens the door to other PUPians—both student and faculty— to step into the global research community and prove their capabilties.
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