Assessing the Historical Value of San Diego De Alcala Fortress in Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Gumaca, Quezon

This study was conducted to determine the historical value of San Diego De Alcala Fortress in preserving the cultural heritage of Gumaca, Quezon. The target population of the respondents in this study was 80 selected residents in Gumaca, Quezon. The researcher used mixed method research design using a Likert scale. Respondents were selected through simple random sampling. The statistical tool used was frequency count and percentage, frequency ranking, and weighted mean. It also used the Kruskal-Wallis H-test. The instrument used was a researcher-made survey questionnaire. Based on the findings, the majority of the respondents are 50 years old or above. It revealed that females have a higher percentage than males when it comes to sex. In terms of address, all selected barangays have the same percentage. The respondents strongly agree that preserving the fortress is important for future generations to understand history, as evidenced by the highest mean of 4.49. The respondents strongly agreed that the fortress's aesthetic and structural features make it a valuable architectural landmark, as reflected by the highest mean of 4.51. The respondents strongly agreed that the San Diego de Alcala Fortress plays a vital role in preserving the cultural identity of the community, which obtained the highest mean of 4.60. The respondents strongly agree that the San Diego de Alcala Fortress is an important cultural heritage tourism site, which obtained the highest mean of 4.70. According to the result of the Kruskal-Wallis H-Test, the null hypothesis of age, sex, and address is accepted, which means that there are no significance differences in the perceived historical value of San Diego De Alcala fortress in preserving the cultural heritage of Gumaca, Quezon. Respondents described the San Diego de Alcala Fortress as a physical representation of Gumaca's history and a reminder of the achievements made by their ancestors, expressing great pride in it. It is seen as a crucial component of their cultural identity that keeps influencing the town's feeling of cohesion and community. Participants noted that efforts to preserve the stronghold are limited due to a lack of organized activities and funding. Respondents pointed out that the fortress's historical significance and attractiveness draw tourists from a variety of locations. It is thought to be one of Gumaca's most popular tourist destinations, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.