Filipino Wikimedia volunteers and advocates of free knowledge gathered in Iriga City on Saturday for the 2nd Iriga Wikimedia Meetup, the first Wikimedia community gathering in the city in more than ten years.
The meetup brought together experienced Wikipedia editors from PhilWiki Community and aspiring contributors from the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Pili to discuss the growth of Wikimedia projects in the Rinconada Bikol language and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The event marked a significant milestone for the newly formed Rinconada Wiki Community. The first Iriga Wikimedia meetup was held on December 19, 2015, at the Iriga City Public Library during the launch of the Wikipedia Takes Rinconada initiative. The in-person gathering reflects a renewed effort to strengthen volunteer engagement and promote the creation of free and accessible knowledge online.
Among the topics discussed were strategies for recruiting and training new editors, expanding content related to Rinconada and Bicolano heritage, and revitalizing the Rinconada Bikol Wikipedia. Participants also exchanged ideas on community-building activities and partnerships that could help increase public awareness of Wikimedia projects.
Abegail Albar emphasized the importance of local communities in documenting and preserving regional history, language, culture, and heritage through collaborative digital projects. The meetup welcomed individuals interested in learning how to participate in Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms.
Members expressed optimism that the gathering would serve as a catalyst for renewed Wikimedia activities in Iriga and neighboring municipalities. Organizers hope that future meetups, edit-a-thons, and outreach programs will encourage more volunteers to contribute to the global movement for free knowledge while highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Rinconada region.
The 2nd Iriga Wikimedia Meetup forms part of ongoing efforts by the PhilWiki Community to expand community participation and improve the representation of local knowledge on Wikimedia platforms.
Images by MarvinBikolano and Filipinayzd (CC BY SA 4.0)
Spreading the Spirit of Free Knowledge 