Dr. Laya Boquiren Gonzales, current Chair of the Arts Department, was selected among mid-career urban planners, architects, and associated urban conservation professionals in ASEAN for a Historic Urban Landscape Course under the Getty Conservation Institute and on a partial scholarship. 

Titled "Old Cities, New Challenges," the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach was used as a key methodology for sustainable urban conservation. Included were modules on cultural mapping, assessment of tangible and intangible heritage values, statements of significance, and heritage impact assessments, among a few. 

The program was held online from April to June 2024 and has a forthcoming onsite component. Dr. Gonzales completed the course with distinction.

                                *Signatures erased