ICOMOS Philippines

ICOMOS Philippines meeting held last April 18

2009-04-22T10:38:00.003+08:00

ICOMOS Philippines met at Escuela Taller in Intramuros last April 18, 2009 to celebrate the International Day for Monuments and Sites. Present at the meeting were Augusto Villalon (Chairperson), Christian Aguilar, Dominic Galicia, Ivan Henares, Jojo Mata, Mico Manalo (Escuela Taller Director), Melvin Patawaran, Tats Rejante Manahan, Cynthia Loza, Nady Nacario, Issa Avendano, Susan Aquino Ong, and Bruce Dawbin (ICOMOS Australia).

Post Conference Report: 2007 CIAV Meeting

2009-04-22T10:29:00.004+08:00

The ICOMOS National Committee Philippines successfully hosted the 2007 meeting of the ICOMOS International Committee on Vernacular Architecture (CIAV), held last 2-8 December at the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a UNESCO World Heritage site. International heritage experts, members of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) participated in the event.

ICOMOS is the official international organization of heritage conservation professionals involved in heritage conservation and who are recognized as international leaders in the field. It regulates the worldwide conservation profession and is the only NGO accredited to advise the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on cultural heritage matters. Its headquarters is in Paris and its Philippine members are prominently involved in conservation projects for the government or private sectors and are also members of the academe.

The conference was unveiled with a welcome dinner organized at the National Museum. Sumptuous dishes were shared as the hosts presented their welcome remarks to the numerous distinguished guests and delegates of the conference. Respected heritage specialists from Canada, Italy, Finland, Germany, United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Japan and Korea joined their Philippine counterparts in the welcome event.

Following this was a long day trip to Ifugao, with heritage specialists and experts looking forward to seeing the rice terraces that is of great beauty and majesty.

Reaching the Ifugao province, a tour and site visit was organized, showing the delegates Hungduan’s Abatan-Hapao heritage cluster site, one of the 5 priority sites that was identified in the UNESCO World Heritage inscription. The participants were overwhelmed with the beauty of the landscapes surrounding them. They were hosted by the Mayor of Hungduan, Hon. Pablo Cuyahon. The first site shown to the delegates was the Hapao heritage cluster. The delegates noticed the number of structures dispersedly strewn on the terrace paddies. He explained the development of the place and said that during early times, the houses would be built together in clusters, but due to population increase, the paddies were ultimately used for house building.

In the five cluster sites, the heritage clusters of Nagacadan-Julongan, Abatan-Hapan, Bangaan and Batad are found clustering of houses called boble. These clustering of houses are located near rice terrace paddies to facilitate management of work, and is also near a muyong or a private forest, usually owned by community members of the boble.

Following this, the delegates were indulged with the view of the spider web terraces as they passed through them going to the to Hungduan’s Municipal hall. The spider web is known to be an interlacing of rice terraces that are weaved together in a pattern of a web. This pattern in clearly discernable from a birds point of view.

Reaching Hungduan’s Municipal hall, a delectable lunch buffet with traditional rice and Filipino dishes was served for the guests’ content. This was followed with the beating of Ifugao gongs and dances by Ifugaos in native costumes. Guests willingly accepted requests to dance.

This site visit was also enriched as the group went to Banaue’s museum of Ifugao culture where the Otley Beyer collection was unveiled to the participants. Artifacts ranging from historic literature to heirloom beads and ceramics and Ifugao wooden cultural implements were showed to the delegates. They were also amazed at the ingenuity of the Ifugao as an Ifugao house artifact was presented to them, with its design mostly made of wood without nails.

Similarly, the group trekked to Ujah village preached high up in the mountains of Banaue, where young Ifugao youth enjoined the participants for a tree planting session. Again, dances were performed and the delegates were invited to join in the festivities.

The conference session proper started with the delegates sharing their experiences on the protection of endangered traditional landscapes. The meeting focused on the current status of the 5 terrace clusters located in Ifugao province inscribed in the World Heritage in Danger List. The “In Danger” designation simply means that conservation measures for a site on the World Heritage List must be stepped up to prevent its rapid deterioration.

The foreign heritage specialists who participated in the conference are Architect Valeria Prieto of ICOMOS Mexico who is the Secretary of ICOMOS-CIAV. She shared her experiences and brilliant ideas in the conservation of Purepecha settlements and their traditional trojes that are found in Michoacan, Mexico. Likewise, Prof. Mariolina Besio of the University of Genoa, Italy who was sent by the World Heritage Centre presented the Cinque Terre Cultural Landscape, a vineyard terraced site that is presently experiencing various challenges of change related to tourism and development.

Marc de Caraffe of ICOMOS Canada, Chairman of ICOMOS-CIAV presented a talk entitled ‘Hot Fuzz, Wild Cats and Telephone Poles’. Architect Esteban Prieto of ICOMOS Sto. Domingo on the other hand shared the ‘El Bohio, Expresion de Arquitectura Vernacula y Recurso Turistico Cultural de la Republica Dominicana’. Toyota Matsuoka of the Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) presented the Ambanghal Mini-hydroelectric Project in Ifugao, which is presently in its feasibility stage. Proceeds from this project will help in the conservation of the rice terrace heritage cluster sites.

Similarly, Ron Anthony a wood preservation expert of ICOMOS-USA presented ideas on wood science and technology, which are very much helpful as most vernacular heritage buildings in traditional landscapes are made of wood. Dr. Christoph Machat of the University of Munich and ICOMOS Germany shared his experiences in the protection of cultural landscapes and presented a power point presentation of the different terraced landscapes in the world. Another German heritage specialist, Kirsten Malezer of ICOMOS Germany talked on ‘The Inheritance of the German Settlement Movement in the Ukraine’. She sought solutions from plenary on how to preserve the vernacular houses found in the Ukraine German settlements, which are similarly facing challenges of sustainability and continuous use, as the residents opt to move to cities, leaving behind these precious heritage buildings.

Likewise, Architect Natsuko Akagawa of ICOMOS Japan presented management strategies that were employed in the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Japan. She shared the different charters that were applied in the conservation of these Japanese cultural properties.

Successful Philippine heritage efforts were also presented such as the cultural mapping of some of our heritage sites in the Visayas and Mindanao. The Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMO) on the other hand shared its community development programs in Ifugao province, while the Provincal government of Ifugao presented to the body the different strategies of conservation and management of the rice terraces and culture of Ifugao. Some of these are its programme on the documentation, processing and transmission of Ifugao’s Indigenous wherein UNESCO Japan has financed the first phase of the IK transmission programme and has recently approved the second phase. Through this assistance from UNESCO Japan, SITMO has started the mapping of traditional knowledge holders and for its second phase, it is currently developing a course on IK with the Ifugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry. It will also develop a module for the teaching of elementary and high school education, integrating IK, which will be undertaken with the DepEd.

SITMO also presented its efforts for the preparation of the pilot Community-Based Land Use project for Nagacadan, Kiangan, one of the five priority heritage cluster sites in the WH List. Its recent success in holding eco tourism projects revived the Bakle festival of Nagacadan and with it was the organization of eco tours that brought tourists to the place, enjoying the festival, the dances, rice pounding and the place’ traditional food specialties such as the binakle and the baya.

SITMO has also been involved in Sustainable Agriculture Programmes, with the promotion of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) with pilot farms in Kiangan and Lamut. It won a grant through the Panibagong Paraan competition that holds a two-year biodiversity cum SRI promotion for four towns. And through its partnership with the International Kutzu Green Sannan (IKGS) of Japan, it has started a two-year project entitled Kiphodan di Payo, Kiphodan di Muyung, which includes the establishment of nurseries for indigenous species in Mayoyao, Asipulo and Kiangan. It has also worked on interventions to minimize out-migrations of Ifugao people through the Kiphodan project wherein the dojo fish promotion and rabbit production are encouraged, hoping to tap restaurants in Manila for their use and consumption.

One of the most important efforts of SITMO is its programme on renewal energy, having garnered a finalist award in the International Ashden Award for Renewable Energy for the development of its micro-hydro program. This involved the repair of the Bokiawan Micro-hydro plant in Kiangan, the improvement of the Sustainable Energy centre at the ICHEC and the continuation of the Tungdo Micro-hydro plant in Maggok, Hungduan.

Likewise, Fundacion Santiago’s Chaco Molina shared his insights on community development, centering on the numerous projects that this NGO has undertaken. Molina presented its vision through its two-fold mission statement that is represented by its Pamana (Cultural Heritage) and Pag-asa (Social Development) programs. Its mission statements push for the contribution to a strong grasp of national identity by the promotion and sustainability of historical awareness among Filipinos, by using this sense of self and of shared purpose as one of the foundations of national development. It also pushes for the contribution to true, sustainable and equitable national development through the promotion of entreprenuership and commitment to community among economically marginalized Filipinos, particularly those in the countryside.

Fundacion Santiago has partnered with PHILDRRA, a national network of 65 rural development NGOs that builds models of sustainable development in the different communities they serve.

One of the projects undertaken by Fundacion Santiago is the preparation of the Master Plan for the revitalization of the historic center of Vigan, another UNESCO WH site. This project was supported by the Government of the Kingdom of Spain and the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional (AECI), the DOT and the City Government of Vigan. It included such projects as the Integrated Water Supply and Management System, the Materials Recovery Facility for the Vigan Integrated Solid Waste Management project, the Metal Craft and Food Processing project for the University of Northern Philippines, and so much more. This Master Plan is serving as the tool for guiding local government and other agencies in the coordination of efforts related to development and the preservation of the WH site.

Molina particularly pointed to the role of community development facilitators, whom he said are supposed to guide work in the project. He stressed the importance of ‘letting go’ when the community feels that it is able to stand on its own. He said that at a certain stage in a project, ‘we’ should not feel bad if we become irrelevant because this means that we have done something good and that the project and the community can now stand on its own.

Molina also stressed out that community workers are catalysts of change and that ‘hope’ has to be transmitted to the people, equated through pesos and cents. He also said that the promotion of community based heritage tourism is an instrument for alleviating poverty in a site. He said that heritage is seen by the community as being theirs and that it should not be perceived as an irritant, but should bring cash to the people.

The Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) likewise shared its projects of restoration of historical monuments and buildings. These success stories prove that the Filipino, contrary to popular opinion, has actually done well in conserving his heritage.

As discussions on the rice terraces centered on the natural and cultural condition of the landscape and the necessary steps and strategies to address the challenges of conservation, the delegates agreed that restoring the terraces and the culture that comes with it must go hand in hand with the establishment of cultural and economic opportunities that make terrace life more viable for the 21st century. Among the positive measures suggested by UNESCO is the establishment of additional income-generating opportunities focusing on community based cultural and eco tourism programs.

Several conferences held in the past that were organized by UNESCO have already identified strategies to meet the challenges of conservation in the rice terraces. These are all incorporated in the Conservation Management Plan of the Province of Ifugao.

This ICOMOS meeting’s sub-theme of identifying methods in the use of the underutilized rice terraces as a resource to increase present income levels of its residents, strengthened and enhanced the already identified strategies. This was realized when the delegates gathered together in workshops held on the last day of the conference. They further augmented the already established strategies with great and interesting viable and doable solutions for the sustainable development of the heritage cluster sites. The conference came about with the awareness that conserving heritage in traditional landscapes has been challenging to most site residents who aim for a change in quality of life that is in contrast with their present day life.

Some of these great new ideas that came out of the workshops aim to make life in the terraces much more livable. These are the packaging of the entire cultural landscape as a product for cultural tourism; the identification of incentives such as special taxes and subsidies that will encourage the people to preserve the terraces; the development of a global vision for cooperative movement for the rice terraces; and the encouragement of lightweight construction methods that continuously use traditional methods and avoiding concrete and concrete blocks. The delegates likewise underscored the need for zoning and land use in the heritage cluster sites. They also reiterated the need for the preparation of design guidelines as new buildings are being constructed in concrete and concrete blocks that totally contrasts with the beauty of the landscape.

Ifugao’s Provincial Governor, Hon. Teodoro Baguilat Jr.’s similarly shared his vision for the rice terraces conforming the suggestions of ICOMOS and the already established recommendations of UNESCO. He centered on the provision of basic needs and economic development for the people while beefing up on the advantages of conservation. He likewise stressed on the utilization of heritage as tourism resource. Baguilat said that this could be achieved with the development of low land municipalities in the province, proceeds of which shall support the conservation of upland areas. The upland areas will then be the resource for tourism and heritage. He however said that restrictions cannot be imposed on the people and that land use and zoning will indeed identify areas for development and for preservation. He encouraged novel ideas for the conservation of the rice terraces.

Although the atmosphere of the conference was serious and focused on issues of conservation and management of traditional landscapes, an interesting thing happened during the session proper. Several delegates noticed that those who presented at the stage’s podium would be teary eyed as they were delivering their talks. Some of these were the US Ambassador, H.E. Kirsty Kenney, the Japanese delegate Architect Natsuko Akagawa and some of our local participants who presented papers at the session proper. People were already talking about the incidents, and in the last day of the session proper, some delegates decided to investigate by going to the podium themselves. Those who went sensed that some kind of strong energy was effecting them to be teary eyed. The energy was so intense that some felt sad and depressed, while others felt light yet affected by the intensity of it all. They decided to approach Tony Perez, a known personality in spirit questing. He said that the one causing the energy was a tree spirit, a ‘capre’ as it is called in the vernacular. According to him, this tree spirit lived in a big tree that was felled during the construction of the hotel and it felt sad about the felling. The delegates and Tony Perez went to the stage and held some kind of prayer for the tree spirit. One of the delegates sensed that what the spirit wanted was some offering of soil.

It would be interesting to note that some of the local delegates have personal experiences about trees. One of them, Landscape Architect Susan Ong is a tree conservation advocate who fought for the stoppage of the felling of a giant dao tree in UP Los Banos. Another heritage conservation advocate and very young and vibrant litigation lawyer, Atty Lucille Karen Malilong-Isberto shared stories about trees being cut in her hometown in Cebu and the bad things that have happened to the persons initiating the felling. Being a member of ‘inner dance’, she thought it necessary to offer prayers to the tree spirit.

Altogether, the tree spirit incident brought the group together, with some of them offering prayers, an orange and a traditional musical instrument of bamboo at the podium prior to leaving for Manila. Some surmised that the rice terraces, its beautiful environs and this particular tree spirit incident brought them together, invigorating them all with the consciousness of working for a common goal, which is the conservation of heritage.

At the end of the conference, the ICOMOS meeting further strengthened the idea that heritage must be preserved not only to provide community identity, but also as a livelihood opportunity that could be achieved through the use (not exploitation) of its the values as sustainable cultural and eco-tourism resource.

The other objective of the meeting, which is the training of Philippine practitioners, was also met as members of youth organizations came, joined and learned from the conference discussions. Since only a few conservation courses are offered in Philippine universities, ICOMOS Philippines envisioned that the presence of foreign colleagues is a rare opportunity for ICOMOS Philippine Committee members and other heritage professionals to widen their personal international network and to upgrade professionals.

On December 7, 2007, the delegation went back to Manila passing by Dupax church in Nueva Vizcaya, a National Cultural Treasure. Organizers showed them the restoration of the baptistry and two magnificent columns, all of which are ornately decorated in relief stucco.

The delegates who were revitalized and brimming of energy and great ideas are hopeful that the rice terraces and other traditional landscapes will be in good hands as everybody seek and work to conserve and maintain them for the present and the future generations. (Prepared by Ma. Joycelyn B. Mananghaya)

Twinning program between Ifugao Rice Terraces and Cique Terre bared

2009-04-22T10:20:00.003+08:00

A twinning program between the Ifugao Rice Terraces and Cinque Terre, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has been initiated beginning with a study tour of Cinque Terre this coming May 11 to 20, 2009. UNACOM Secretary General Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, Governor Teodoro Baguilat, Jr. of Ifugao, Mayor Pablo M. Cuyahon of Hungduan, Ifugao and Archt. Joy Mananghaya of ICOMOS Philippines will join this study tour. The objective of the visit is to learn from the management and conservation approaches of this Italian cultural landscape, with the aim of applying some of their best practices to our own Ifugao Rice Terraces. Cinque Terre is a living cultural terraced landscape with vineyards and olives. It faces the same conservation and management challenges that our the rice terraces are facing.

Heritage and science

2009-04-18T01:04:00.002+08:00

April 18 is the International Day for Monuments and Sites. This year’s theme is “Heritage and Science.” Two major streams to the theme are: The role that science (and the scientific process) has played in the creation of heritage, and the contribution that science (and technology) offers to the study of heritage.

I’m fascinated by how science and technology have made it possible for us to continue using our colonial churches hundreds of years after they were built. We must have had skilled builders and artisans in those times. I marvel at how these buildings managed to survive earthquakes when more contemporary structures did not.

Science and technology also make it possible for generations after us to enjoy these colonial churches. Sophisticated techniques like lasers are used to explore and examine structures to determine how they could be best repaired and restored. Unfortunately, the same technology inspires others and makes it possible for them to “beautify” and “modernize” structures without thought to their heritage value. There are a lot in my cringe list and I have not been to all the colonial churches in the country.

At the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center in UP Diliman, an exhibit called “Art Beyond Appearances: Caring for Amorsolo’s Legacy” illustrates how science can be used for heritage preservation. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Vargas Museum, the UP National Institute of Physics, and the UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute.

Jorge Vargas was one of Amorsolo’s constant patrons. The Vargas Museum has fifty-eight works by Amorsolo in its collection. Selected portraits of women whom Amorsolo painted in the 1940’s were studied by a team of engineers and physicists to determine their properties. The team investigated the color choices and brush strokes of Amorsolo and compared them to his contemporaries. The findings could be used to authenticate works by Amorsolo.

This is important as the high demand for Amorsolo’s works locally and abroad has led to his becoming one of the most forged artists in the country. There is currently no national authentication board and private authenticators rely on visual analysis, familiarity with his work, and research and interviews with Amorsolo’s heirs to determine if an artwork is authentic or not.

Another aspect of the study on exhibit is digital archiving. This was done to capture not only the colors of the painting but also its texture. This is crucial for preservation as it can detect damage such as cracking of paint layers and warping of canvas.

Wireless sensor nodes to measure fluctuations in temperature and humidity were also installed in the main gallery of the museum to determine optimum levels to maintain the protective environment for artworks. This would help establish standards more suited for tropical climates as the standards in use are based mostly on conditions in North America or Europe.

The exhibit made me feel like a grade school student on a field trip to a science fair. Physics is not my favorite subject but I now appreciate its applications to art and daily life more. I’m also relearning how to paint and it was interesting to find out what colors Amorsolo and his contemporaries mixed to capture the color of the faces and the brushstrokes that they used for different effects. I think that the combination was black, white, red, and dark ochre. I’ve been reciting the color combination like a mantra with the hope of one day being able to replicate the impressionist effect in my paintings. Dreams are free, after all. (Kay Malilong-Isberto, The Freeman, April 14, 2009)

Joint Statement of the Heritage Conservation Society and ICOMOS Philippines on the Dingras Church

2009-02-02T11:00:00.004+08:00

The Tale of Two Facades
The Planned Demolition of our the Historic Dingras Church Facade

A call to arms and a sound of alarms! Once again, a historic structure in our country is threatened. What makes it even more alarming is that it happens in the same province, Ilocos Norte in almost the same period of time. First the planned demolition of the Laoag Central Elementary School, a perfectly usable, intact and beautiful example of 1920s education architecture in exchange for a mall, and now the proposed demolition of the centuries old façade of the Church of San José de Dingras to be replaced by what would most likely be a poor replica of the former.

Read more...

ICOMOS Philippines participation at the 16th ICOMOS General Assembly

2008-10-13T03:24:00.007+08:00

The 16th General Assembly of ICOMOS took place in Québec City from September 28 to October 4, 2008, a triennial event attended by members of ICOMOS National Committees throughout the world. The Philippines was represented by Augusto Villalón, President of ICOMOS National Committee Philippines and Expert Member of the International Scientific Committee for Vernacular Architecture (CIAV). The second delegation member was Ivan Anthony Henares who was the Philippine representative to the International Forum of Young Researchers and Professionals in Cultural Heritage, an Expert Member of the International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC), and a voting delegate to the General Assembly.

Villalon represented ICOMOS Philippines at the Advisory Committee Meeting on September 28 that was attended by all National Committee Presidents. Issues discussed were the strengthening of National Committees and revitalization of dormant ones, formation of new National Committees. Also the relationship of ICOMOS to the World Heritage Committee as its primary cultural heritage advisory body was discussed.

At the September 29 Annual Meeting of the International Scientific Committee on Vernacular Architecture (CIAV) Augusto Villalón was elected Vice-President. CIAV members thanked the Philippine Committee for organizing the 2007 Annual CIAV Meeting in Banaue, Ifugao Province, and further pledged their support for conservation activities in the rice terraces undertaken by both the Government of Ifugao and Save the Terraces Movement (SITMo).

During the General Assembly held on September 30, Villalón was elected Chairman of the Candidature Committee charged with verifying documentation for each candidate standing for election to office during the 2008-2011 triennium. Resolutions were read and passed during the General assembly, notably Resolution No. 14 proposed by Ivan Anthony Henares (Philippines), and Cliff Ogleby (Australia) on the institutionalization of youth participation is all future ICOMOS activities.

During the Forum on October 2-3, Villalón presented a well-received paper “Is Spirit of Place Enough?” which was a case study and status report on the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, currently on the World Heritage In Danger List.

The Québec City Declaration on the Preservation of the Spirit of Place was adopted by the Assembly on 04 October.

Resolution No. 14 - Institutionalization of Youth Participation
Proponents: Cliff Ocleby (ICOMOS Australia) & Ivan Anthony S. Henares (ICOMOS Philippines)

Considering :
- the necessity of encouraging and supporting the involvement of young researchers and professionals in the field of heritage in ICOMOS
- the success of the First International Forum of Young Researchers and Professionals in Cultural Heritage held in Quebec, Canada from September 27 to 28, 2008

The 16th General Assembly of ICOMOS, meeting in Quebec, Canada, in October 2008, resolves that .
- ICOMOS and its committees must pursue efforts to welcome and encourage the involvement of a greater number of young researchers and professionals;
- ICOMOS will continue the initiative of organizing the International Forum of Young Researchers and Professionals in Cultural Heritage;
- The involvement of young researchers and professionals should be integrated in the issues, goals and actions discussed by the Executive Committee, the Consultative Committee and the General Assembly;
- The international scientific committees will inform young professionals, especially participants of the Forum, of their activities via the ICOMOS Secretariat;
- The national committees will take the necessary proactive measures to welcome and involve a greater number of young researchers and professionals, and assure them a sufficient representation.

Free lecture series on family heritage conservation

2008-10-13T03:15:00.002+08:00

Victoria Gill has a degree in both Fine Arts and a Science degree in Art Conservation. Gill is the director of Endangered Heritage. Her company consults to major cultural institutions on preservation, conservation and collection development and management. She has lectured at tertiary level on display and preservation issues. Victoria has worked developing collection plans for commercial, public and private collectors. Most families have items of family significance items which have sentimental and often monetary worth. For custodians of these items the care of these things can be daunting and worrisome. There is a dearth of incorrect information and wives tales about preserving family heritage. This series of talks is designed to help people to know how to care for their personal items, themselves, properly.

Each talk has a focus area. While the talks are free, should you wish to bring a personal item for group discussion and specific advice there will be a charge of P500 per item. Please arrange agreement for items and book attendance. All talks will be at 10:30 a.m.

What is movable heritage conservation? (November 5 & December 17, 2008)
What is conservation and how is it done. What are the skills who are the specialists and what items need who. This talk will focus on the ethics and code of conduct for professional conservators. And help answer the questions about why some items are treated and some items are NOT.

Passing the baton... family reunions and family heritage (December 3, 2008 & January 21, 2009)
This Christmas use the chance to get the family to share its history with the next generation. This discussion will focus on oral stories and recording them, including getting the facts for the next generation. We will briefly discuss supporting evidence like photos and items, to get the story from the fading memories of our elders and make them real for our youth. Stories have multiple endings how do we record them with integrity but without judgment?

Got the photo! Now what? (January 7 & February 18, 2009)
A brief discussion on photos negative slides, albums and digital storage. Family histories are often interwoven and dependent on photos. The care and display of images and the documentation of images and the stories they tell will leave participants with renewed meaning and help for sorting out their own family albums.

Wedding dresses, christening gowns and precious family textiles (February 4 & March 18, 2009)
This presentation will cover preventative care of textiles items. We will cover flat items flags, banners, clothing and three dimensional textiles including hats, shoes, soft toys and dolls.

Please book for any of the presentations to victoria.gill@endangeredheritage.com. Location at the Studio 39, Ponce Street, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City.

ICOMOS Philippines celebrates World Heritage Day with parks and plazas tour

2008-04-13T23:46:00.001+08:00

The International Committee on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) celebrates the International Day for Monuments and Sites on April 18 every year. But since that falls on a Friday, the Heritage Conservation Society and ICOMOS Philippines will join the celebration by organizing a Manila parks and plazas tour on Saturday, April 19, 2008.

Read more...

The Preservation of Terraced Landscape of Cinque Terre

2008-01-15T10:02:00.000+08:00

Mariolina Besio
Dipartimento di Progettazione e Costruzione dell'Architettura
Università di Genova, Italy

The Cinque Terre is an impressive and unique landscape that covers about 4000 hectares near the Liguria region’s border with Tuscany in the north western coast of Italy. It has a population of about 5000 people and its rural landscape is characterized by steep hillsides that drop down to the sea. These are marked by a geometry of terraces held up by dry-stone walls and covered with vines. The landscape has been recognized by UNESCO in 1997 as a world heritage site and as a cultural landscape. It was produced by collective creativity that was able to draw opportunities for a peculiar agriculture from the difficulties of the natural environment.

It is unfortunate that most of the territory, at present, has undergone “artificialization” which imposed a new “human nature” on the first “natural nature”. The natural make-up of land and draining were transformed by the system of terraces. In the terraced areas spontaneous vegetation was replaced by agriculture. A generalised tendency to abandon agricultural practices has long been evident: in the heyday of agriculture. If man’s presence declines, the survival of landscape is at risk and its stability can degenerate until it collapses.

Landscape management tools are introduced to help preserve and restore the terraces. The landscape model aims to protect the landscape and to develop the local socio-economic conditions of the community. It joins local and national plans, its instruments and policies.

These planning tools operate to:
■ conserve the terraced landscape built structures
■ re-qualify after degradation
■ accessibility and transportation

The instruments of socio-economic development operate to support:
■ structures and services for local communities
■ traditional farming and wine production
■ tourist supply.

Pamana Natin, Pag-Asa Natin

2008-01-15T09:47:00.000+08:00

Chaco Molina
Executive Director
Fundacion Santiago – Philippines

Fundacion Santiago is a private service-provider development organization established on September 29, 1993 and was officially registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 14, 1993.

Fundacion Santiago envisions a compleat filipino, a person who, by knowing oneself, can care for oneself and one’s others.

It has a two-fold mission:
■ to contribute to a strong grasp of the national identity by promoting and sustaining historical awareness; and
■ to contribute to true, sustainable and equitable national development through the promotion of entrepreneurship and commitment to community. These took shape in its two institutional programs--- “PAMANA” (Heritage) and “PAGASA” (Hope).

In order to advance this paradigms, Fundacion Santiago sought a strategic partnership with PhilDRRA (Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas), a nationwide network of rural development non-government organizations, and Island Caravan, a tour operator.

At present, Fundacion Santiago concentrates on communities located in Southern Tagalog.

Mayoyao Traditional Landscapes: A Fading Legacy

2008-01-15T09:45:00.001+08:00

Esther Lichanan
Executive Director
Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITmo)
Kiangan, Banaue, Philippines

The Banaue Rice Terraces is a cultural landscape that can be viewed as a result of man’s adaptation to his natural environment. Situated in a harsh environment with limited agricultural space, the early inhabitants of Ifugao conquered these threats by constructing terrace ricefields through their ingenuity and sheer manpower. Unfortunately the Banaue community is now experiencing challenges regarding the preservation and management of these traditional landscapes.

The triadic paradigm composed of the local government units (LGUS), civil society organizations, and captive local businesses are now joining forces to create sustainable development measures that will aid in the preservation of the Banaue Rice Terraces. This move is also gaining support from national and international governments. There is a need to harness the same ingenuity and man power to help preserve what our great ancestors have left for us and our future generation.

The Built Heritage and the Cultural Landscape

2008-01-15T09:35:00.000+08:00

El Patrimonio Edificado y los Paisajes Culturales: Identidad Y Desarollo

Valeria Prieto
ICOMOS - Mexico

Vernacular architecture can be seen in traditional buildings which is the built context of historical cities. An entire village, for instance, is a perfect example of how vernacular constructions are integrated as a whole. In this setting, the natural environment reflects a community’s main productive activity.

Examples of traditional villages that show a close relationship with nature are as follows:
1. The Arizona Desert
2. Juchitan, Mexico
3. Zimbabwe
4. Danjia village in China
5. Water towns South of the Yangtze River
6. Tlacotalpan on the Papaloapan River in the Gulf of Mexico
7. Tomonoura, Uwayima and Uchiko, in Japan
8. Cosalá on the Pacific coast of Mexico
9. The Mayan House at The Yucatan San Antonio Tierras Blancas, Michoacan, Mexico Peninsula

While it is fortunate that there are still groups which have preserved their built traditions and their natural landscape, the last few years saw living heritage sites experiencing pressures of development. Cultural landscapes and vernacular architecture have been damaged along with the emergence of urban areas and new industrial construction materials. To be able to keep up with the constantly changing environment, it is important to study the whole problem and integrate heritage with the community’s customs and traditions. Environmental care must not be neglected. The key is to maintain the cultural landscape as it is integrated to vernacular settlements. Most particularly, it is vital to help the community develop their social and economic potentials without sacrificing the identity and integrity of its people.

CIAV Annual Report 2007

2008-01-15T09:10:00.000+08:00

Marc de Caraffe, president
January 2008

1. The late Gilles Nourissier
Gilles Nourissier had joined CIAV only a few months before his untimely death, and I would like to take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the committee, our sincere regrets. Gilles would have brought to our committee his indomitable enthusiasm and energy, and we all regret him deeply.

2. Annual Meeting in Banaue, Philippines
First, a word of thanks to the many sponsors who have made our 2007 annual meeting a success; their contribution was extremely generous and most welcomed. These sponsors are: Her Excellency Kristie Kenney, American Ambassador to the Philippines, the Tokyo Electric Power, the Fundacion Santiago, the Ayala Foundation, the Department of Tourism of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines and Holcim Cement. Second, I would like to express my gratitude to our dear colleague Augusto Villalon for having organized this wonderful conference. Augusto has spared no efforts in the preparation of this conference to ensure its success.

CIAV’s annual conference served to bring together for the first time all the major Filipino experts involved in the preservation of the Rice Terraces, a World Heritage Site that has been inscribed on the List of endangered sites in 2001. Conference participants focussed on the issue of whether traditional landscapes were still viable in the 21st century and delivered interesting papers with energy and passion. The rice terraces of the Philippines are threatened by the fast changing lifestyle of its inhabitants, by the deterioration of the terraces and the natural resources, and by insufficient recognition of these problems by the government, among other issues. The problems were clearly demonstrated during the conference and local experts presented effective solutions to these problems. It was demonstrated that similar problems are shared in many parts of the world. It was clearly established during this conference that the Filipino experts have developed working solutions to the problems pertaining to the conservation of the Rice Terraces and that these solutions will need to be implemented in a near future. Delegates left the Philippines with the confidence that the future of the Rice Terraces was in capable hands and this breathtaking landscape will be protected.

3. Membership
The committee has currently 74 members from 44 countries and six honorary members from five countries. Membership has slightly increased over the last year, but we need to increase it by attracting young professionals interested in vernacular heritage. We have to think about the future of CIAV, and this future is in the hands of the next generation.

4. Accomplishments
Augusto Villalon, has launched his book, Living Landscapes and Cultural Landmarks, on World Heritage properties in the Philippines, at the UNESCO Salon des Délégués on 6 June 2007. Miles Lewis has also published The Victorian Barn this year. Our congratulations go to both authors. The president was asked to write a brief article on the Vernacular Charter for Europa Nostra, a European journal, and he gave a presentation on the impacts of global climate changes on York Factory, a national historic site of Canada, in Pretoria. Valeria Prieto, our energetic secretary general, has produced seven newsletters so far.

You will recall that it was part of our strategic plan to lobby to have UNESCO budgets for World Heritage Designations changed to include the work undertaken for desk reviews. Some progress to this effect was accomplished during the last advisory committee meeting that took place in Pretoria. A resolution was passed that read: Concerned about the ongoing quality of ICOMOS evaluations and monitoring concerning World Heritage Sites, and realizing that such voluntary work can become time-consuming, if only because nominations now have increased documentation and complexity, and the increasing requests for evaluators, the Advisory Committee endorses CIAV, ICAHM, and CIVVIH’s recommendation that ICOMOS needs to:

a. recommend a clear brief for the evaluation or monitoring task, for example the use of scientific and professional standards, and the nature of the work required in the report;
b. recommend allowing a nominal fee for all the evaluation or monitoring tasks, thus recognizing both the professional nature of the work and the time contributed, by balancing the ICOMOS budget for World Heritage to meet this need.

This recommendation was sent to ICOMOS Executive Committee. We will see how they respond to it.

The little village of San Antonio, in Mexico, has made a lot of progress since our visit last year. Streets are being paved and roofs are being changed as we can see on the photograph of the municipal hall below. The medical clinic is almost completed, and the people are learning different trades, such as sewing, nursing, metalwork, embroidery and spinning techniques to supplement their income. A recent donation will serve to build washing facilities. The future looks promising for the inhabitants of this village.

Finally, ICOMOS Vice-President, Kristal Buckley, commented most favorably on CIAV’s activities in the Asia Pacific region during the last meeting of ICOMOS advisory committee. The national committees of this region are keen to cooperate with International Scientific Committees. These committees have expanded activities and membership in this region, and CIAV was cited as being particularly active. Congratulations to our colleagues from this region for their excellent work.

5. Advocacy
The committee is still monitoring the proposed construction of a road bridge that would destroy the historic character of Tomo-no-Ura in Japan.

The committee has approved a resolution of support for the nomination of the Red River Terracces Fields of the Hani people in China as a World Heritage Site. This resolution was conveyed to ICOMOS China.

The committee has delegated to Kirsten Maelzer the responsibility of monitoring the situation of German settlements in Ukraine. These settlements are threatened by abandon and demolition.

The committee will be present at the Terra 2008 conference that will take place in Mali in February 2008. The delegates are Valeria Prieto and Christoph Machat.

6. Next Annual Meetings
CIAV’s next annual meeting will take place during the General Assembly of ICOMOS in Québec City. So far, the boat tour to Grosse-Ile has been very popular, and I can confirm that it will take place. I would like to remind you that the cost of this excursion is 75$ U.S. Other ISCs, the Earth committee, the Cultural Landscape committee and CIPA in particular, have said that they would be interested in joining us, so we will have an opportunity to network with them. The tour will take place on 29 September 2008, and it will last the entire day. We will hold our annual meeting during that evening. Grosse-Ile can be extremely windy, cold and wet, particularly at the end of September, so bring appropriate clothing.

We have accepted an invitation to hold our 2009 meeting in Romania. This conference will take place from 16 to 23 May 2009 in the town of Rimetea, which is located in Transylvania. It will be held in conjunction with Tusnad. Its topic will be the protection of vernacular heritage and rural existence conditions, focusing on issues of multiculturalism.

It would be useful to think now about our future meetings, particularly for 2010, as I expect that we will hold our 2011 meeting during the General Assembly of ICOMOS wherever the location of that venue will be. I welcome suggestions for the 2010 meeting on location and theme.

7. Elections
As you know, our statutes stipulate that the executive is elected for a term of three years. So there will be elections during our meeting in 2008. The present executive, with one exception, will solicit, with your permission, another mandate. The exception is vice-president Masero Maeno, and it is with extreme sadness that we accept his decision. It would be useful to have somebody from the Asia-Pacific region on the executive. A voting committee will be set up to manage next year’s elections.

8. Awards
Three propositions for awards were received. Our colleague, Dimitrios Psarros, from Greece, suggested the names of Professor Nikos Moutsopoulos, from Greece, and of Professor Haluk Sezgin, from Turkey. Both of them were founding and active members of CIAV. It was agreed that Professors Moutsopoulos and Sezgin receive the title of honorary members of our committee. Our colleague, Gisela Medina Chavez, from Mexico has received an award for her exemplary work in preserving the Purhépecha community of San Antonio Tierras Blancas, municipalidad de los Reyes, Michoacán. Gisela has contributed in building a medical clinic in this village. Finally, on the recommendation of ICOMOS Finland, an award was given to the pupils, the teachers and team of specialists at the School of Murole, Finland, for having created a unique model for transmitting knowledge of vernacular architecture from one generation to another, from researcher to layperson, and for raising awareness of the conservation of local heritage.

‘Still an awesome landscape in Ifugao’

2007-12-19T21:37:00.001+08:00

By Maribelle Bimohya
Philippine Daily Inquirer (12/19/2007)

MANIL, Philippines – Although the centuries-old rice terraces of Ifugao have been included in the list of endangered World Heritage sites, these hallmarks of Ifugao industry, craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge, remain an awesome landscape.

This was the shared observation of about 70 international conservationists, architects and experts on traditional landscapes after they visited the rice terraces and interacted with villagers.

“Just looking at the terraces energizes and inspires you,” said Marc de Caraffe, president of the International Council for Monuments and Sites’ (Icomos) committee on vernacular architecture.

The experts joined the International Conference on Protecting Endangered Traditional Landscapes in Banaue town early this month. The meeting was organized by Icomos, an international organization of architects, urban planners, archaeologists, anthropologists, historians and other professionals involved in heritage conservation.

Icomos is the only nongovernment organization accredited to advise the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (Unesco) world heritage committee on cultural heritage matters.

Deterioration
During the conference held on Dec. 3-7, the experts discussed the status of the terraces and came up with recommendations on how to address the various issues surrounding the deterioration of the heritage sites.

“From all the presentations on the various efforts of the provincial government and the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (Sitmo) and the interaction with local folks, the group is pleased to know that there is a determined and creative effort from the Ifugao to help restore the terraces,” said Augusto Villalon, Icomos Philippines chair.

With the programs already in place, the stakeholders must sustain conservation activities with the help of the national and local governments, NGOs and Filipinos in general, he said.

Brenda Saquing, provincial administrator, said that while the Ifugao people were striving to conserve their heritage, they were also seeking the help of every individual “who believes in beauty, freedom and survival” to pitch in in restoring the rice terraces.

“After all, the Ifugao rice terraces are not the patrimony of the Ifugao alone, but of the whole humanity,” she said.

Recommendations
The workshops tried to seek recommendations on how to use heritage as a resource for income generation to keep the Ifugao from leaving their families’ terraces.

Among the strategies recommended were arts and crafts development, marketing of the tinawon rice, and the production of organic vegetables, fruits and rice wine.

The experts also believed that the adventure and agro-eco-tourism industries must be strengthened to complement the development of the product industries in Ifugao.

With this, they agreed to push for the improvement of the Bagabag airport in nearby Nueva Vizcaya to cut travel time of tourists going to Ifugao. The province is at least 10 hours by land travel from Metro Manila.

Among the other recommendations was to study if abandoned terraces could be leased to other farmers or to local governments, which should devise ways to make these mountain farms productive.

“Some Ifugao farmers are practicing a system of leasing untilled lands called uhat. Usually the owner will let his farm be tilled by another farmer for free for three years. On the fourth year, the owner will get half of the harvest, provided that he will also share in whatever agricultural inputs or labor cost needed,” said engineer Norberto Tayaban, a rice field owner.

Tayaban said many professionals who could not go to their rice farms preferred to let relatives or village mates till the lands instead of abandoning these.

“While it is true that there are abandoned rice fields, these are usually due to lack of water in the terraces. We cannot till the land without water,” said Perfecta Dulnuan, Banaue planning and development coordinator.

Dulnuan, who allows her relatives to till her rice fields, said that while rice terrace farming was not very profitable, “[we have a] responsibility to our ancestors to keep the payo or rice fields watered and planted.”

“There is an unwritten law that we have to take care of our inheritance. A member of the community who abandons his rice fields without a reasonable [explanation] is considered lazy and disrespectful of his ancestors’ toil and labor,” she said.

We’re doing well in protecting our heritage

2007-12-17T02:19:00.000+08:00

By Augusto Villalon
Philippine Daily Inquirer (12/17/2007)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines received a hearty thumbs-up from international heritage luminaries for its heritage-conservation efforts.

“The future of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordillera is in good hands,” declared Marc de Caraffe from the International Council for Monuments and Sites (Icomos) of Canada. De Caraffe is also the president of the international organization’s Committee on Vernacular (Traditional) Architecture.

Signifying support for heritage conservation in the country, United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney through the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation supported the meeting but also personally traveled to Banaue to address the meeting and visit the terraces as well.

Icomos is a Paris-based NGO that regulates professional heritage-conservation activities worldwide and is the official adviser to the Unesco World Heritage Committee on cultural-heritage issues.

For the first time, international heritage luminaries joined members of Icomos Philippines in Banaue last week. The meeting coincided with the 12th anniversary of the inscription of five rice-terraces clusters in Ifugao in the prestigious Unesco World Heritage List as “The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordillera.”

Seven years later, the site was transferred to the World Heritage in Danger List, signifying that conservation measures should be intensified to prevent the site from further decay. This led to Unesco and Philippine experts agreeing on a set of measures to rehabilitate the site.

In danger
Respected international specialists arrived from Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Macedonia, United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Japan and Korea to join their Philippine counterparts to meet on “Protecting Endangered Traditional Landscapes,” focusing on the current status of the five terraces clusters in Ifugao inscribed on the World Heritage in Danger List.

The “In Danger” designation simply means conservation measures for a site on the World Heritage List must be stepped up to prevent its rapid deterioration.

The meeting agreed that the five small terraces clusters (Batad, Hungduan, Hapao, Nagacadan and Mayoyao) were endangered because of their physical deterioration but, more important, the resident population, having difficulty bridging preservation of their heritage with 21st-century lifestyle, was leaving the site in alarming number. Case studies showed a similar phenomenon happening in terraced, agricultural heritage sites in Italy, Ukraine, China and Mexico.

Observing the preservation efforts by the Ifugao provincial government and Save the Terraces Movement (Sitmo), foreign delegates praised the success of the conservation and community-development programs, that most of the Unesco-suggested rehabilitation programs were well underway, which led to the consensus of delegates that it would only be a matter of time before the site would be removed from the World Heritage in Danger List and given a clean bill of health.

The consensus was the long-awaited affirmation for us Filipinos. Despite years of negative reports from the media, our heritage-conservation efforts are back on track.

Lost cause
In countries like the Philippines, preserving heritage is really a lost cause unless preservation is made relevant to its host communities by tying it with development and income generation.

Therefore, presented during the meeting were methods that illustrated various ways to sustainably use heritage as a resource for income generation through community tourism programs, craft development, or harnessing natural resources for sustainable development such as mini-hydroelectric plants.

All participants agreed that the physical repair of the terraces was necessary. However, restoring the terraces and its walls must come together with establishment of cultural and economic opportunities that would make terrace life more viable for the 21st century. Among the positive measures suggested by Unesco is the establishment of additional income-generating opportunities such as community-based cultural and eco-tourism programs.

To further illustrate the benefits of tourism for host communities, field visits for the 70-person group to terrace sites were successfully organized by the provincial government and Sitmo in cooperation with the local communities that were profusely thanked by participants for their professionalism.

Conserving heritage has little relevance to most site residents who live from day to day in survival mode. Therefore Icomos aims to make them aware that among the values of heritage is its use (not exploitation) as a sustainable cultural and eco-tourism resource. Therefore, heritage must be preserved as a livelihood opportunity and also to provide community identity.

Successful community-based heritage projects in the Philippines were presented, such as the Cebu Freedom Trail uniting seaside towns in south Cebu province in a trail of conserved heritage and community-led tourism sponsored by Ramón Aboitiz Foundation; Bahandi tourism project by the Bohol community; and Save Ifugao Terraces Movement (Sitmo) community-development programs in Ifugao.

These success stories prove that Filipinos, contrary to popular opinion, have done well in conserving their heritage.

Institutions supporting the Icomos endeavor are the US Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation, e8/Tepco (Tokyo Electric Power Company), Fundación Santiago, Ayala Foundation, Ramón Aboitiz Foundation, Department of Tourism, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Museum, Cibo di M, and Holcim Philippines.

Heritage watch
The construction happening in the landmark Luneta Hotel caused a furor among heritage circles, causing representatives of its new owner, Manila City officials, and heritage experts to meet, agree that the structure should be conserved and that all sectors would cooperate for its conservation.

Instead of angrily marching on the streets, people calmly discuss to come to an agreement on how to save the heritage. This meeting, almost seven years after the Jai Alai debacle, shows a new maturity, having evolved with those who handle heritage. Congratulations to all.

Realistic actions to save rice terraces awaited

2007-12-11T21:34:00.001+08:00

By Jane Cadalig
SunStar (12/11/07)

BANAUE, Ifugao - Several talks have been done to preserve the rice terraces here but the Provincial Government wants a concrete response and action from international civic groups to help the government improve and succeed on its preservation efforts.

"We have been discussing a lot regarding the preservation of our terraces; the Provincial Government and our local partners have already done our part. What we are now awaiting is the response of the international civic society on these efforts we have been doing," Governor Teodoro Baguilat said.

Admitting the local government has been experiencing pressures from the international community on the deteriorating status of the world-famous terraces, Baguilat said the province and its people could "only do as much".

Addressing a group of international heritage conservation experts and professionals who converged at the Banaue Hotel for a conference on the preservation of traditional landscapes, Baguilat cited the need to come up with concrete actions on how to safeguard the terraces.

He expressed optimism that the holding of the international conference in the province, which allowed architects, urban planers and heritage conservation professionals from other countries to have a glimpse of the terraces and the local initiatives done for their preservation, would convince global donors to invest in these preservation plans.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces have been inscribed in the Unesco's list of world heritage sites in 1995 but was declared as one of the endangered world heritages in 2001 due its deteriorating state.

"The terraces are not totally hopeless, there are still a lot of opportunities by which we could save them, and we believe we already have done our part to satisfy donors to assist us in our initiatives," he told Sun.Star.

Baguilat said he is planning to invite international donors to convene in the province and present the preservation programs being done for the terraces in a bid to convince global donors to invest in these programs.

Meantime, Architect Augusto Villalon of the International Committee on Monuments and Sites (Icomos)-Philippines said works being done to preserve cultural heritage sites in the country is seeing a bright future as more communities are getting aware of the significance of protecting their cultural heritages.

CIAV Scientific Conference 2007

2007-12-06T17:09:00.000+08:00

For more conference photos, please click here.

Protecting endangered traditional landscapes

2007-12-05T10:32:00.000+08:00

International heritage luminaries are meeting in the Philippines for the first time from 2-8 December 2007. They are members of ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments and Sites), the official international organization of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, tourism professionals, lawyers, and other professionals involved in the heritage conservation profession who are recognized as international leaders in the field.

Headquartered in Paris, ICOMOS is the international organization that regulates the worldwide conservation profession and is the only NGO accredited to advise the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on cultural heritage matters. Its Philippine members are prominently involved in conservation projects for the government or private sectors and are also members of the academe.

On 2-8 December the ICOMOS National Committee Philippines hosts the 2007 meeting of the ICOMOS International Committee on Vernacular Architecture (CIAV), to be held at the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Respected heritage specialists from Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Macedonia, United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Japan and Korea are joining their Philippine counterparts to meet on “Protecting Endangered Traditional Landscapes”, focusing on the current status of the 5 terrace clusters located in Ifugao province inscribed in the World Heritage in Danger List. The “In Danger” designation simply means that conservation measures for a site on the World Heritage List must be stepped up to prevent its rapid deterioration.

The experts will discuss conservation and the socio-economic issues that can support heritage conservation in countries like the Philippines. On the meeting agenda are:

a) The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site, is endangered today because of physical deterioration but more importantly, the resident population who has always maintained the site is having difficulty bridging the task of preserving their heritage with 21st century lifestyle. Case studies will be presented showing steps taken by other international sites with similar issues.

(b) In countries like the Philippines preserving heritage is really a lost cause unless preservation becomes more relevant to its host communities through tying preservation in with development and income generation. Therefore methods have to be found to use heritage as a resource for income generation i.e through community tourism programs, craft development, or harnessing natural resources for sustainable development such as mini-hydroelectric plants, etc.

At this moment, physical repair of the terraces is necessary. However restoring the terraces and their walls must come together with establishment of cultural and economic opportunities that make terrace life more viable for the 21st century. Among the positive measures suggested by UNESCO, is the establishment of additional income-generating opportunities such as community-based cultural and eco tourism programs.

Therefore the meeting’s sub-theme is identifying methods to use the underutilized rice terraces heritage as a resource to increase present income levels. One program is the establishment of community-based tourism.

Conserving heritage has little relevance to most site residents who live from day to day in survival mode. Therefore ICOMOS aims to make them aware that among the values of heritage is its use (not exploitation) as a sustainable cultural and eco tourism resource. Therefore heritage must be preserved as a livelihood opportunity and also to provide community identity.

Successful community-based heritage projects in the Philippines will be presented such as the Freedom Trail that unites seaside towns in south Cebu province in a trail of conserved heritage and community-led tourism sponsored by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, the heritage tourism project by the Bohol community, Taal heritage program, and the Save Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMO) community development programs in Ifugao province. These success stories prove that the Filipino, contrary to popular opinion, has actually done well in conserving his heritage. The Philippine presentations will show that good community-oriented conservation work is being done in the country, proving that our heritage is not going down the drain like everyone else thinks.

Training of Philippine conservation practitioners is another objective of the meeting. Since conservation courses are not offered in Philippine universities, the presence of foreign colleagues is a rare opportunity for ICOMOS Philippine Committee members and other heritage professionals to widen their personal international networks and to upgrade professional. Most of the Philippine participants will be from the youth sector.

Institutions supporting the ICOMOS endeavor are the US Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation, e8/TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company), Fundación Santiago, Ayala Foundation, Ramón Aboitiz Foundation, Department of Tourism, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

HCS 2008 Calendar: Heritage Recycled

2007-09-25T18:23:00.000+08:00

The HCS will be featuring fine examples of built heritage structures transformed into commercially-sustainable business projects. You will find elegant family residences that have been recycled into boutique hotels and banks; a century-old train terminal (Tutuban) became a shopping mall and the first international airport of Manila (Nielson Tower) was restored and recycled into a library and bookstore.

All these are compiled into the 2008 Heritage Calendar/Postcard Collection called HERITAGE RECYCLED. These unique calendars are excellent Christmas gifts to your friends and business associates. You can also have your company and/or personal logo printed on the standee.

As you know, the HCS is a non-profit group. One of our main objectives is to show how the restoration of heritage structures can enhance the value of real estate development projects, urban planning, and tourism.

By ordering, you will be contributing to this worthwhile advocacy. (P200/copy; 10% discount for members and bulk orders of 100pcs++)

Thank you for your valued support. E-mail us at info@heritage.org.ph

* * *

HERITAGE RECYCLED
Adaptive re-use is a creative mode of conservation that gives heritage structures new and alternative functions other than the original ones that may no longer be required.

Adaptive re-use is applicable to most heritage structures. These need not be as grandiose as the vintage Department of Finance, now the National Museum. HCS did not include it to show that ancestral homes of modest proportions, obscure town halls, colonial watchtowers and bridges, warehouses and train stations can also be recycled into sustainable projects.

Most often than not, built heritage resources are found on premium real estate property so developers are in a hurry to demolish rather than restore and recycle. Today, there is a growing awareness that adaptive re-use can enhance property value.

In many countries, like Australia for example, demolition of heritage structures is considered wasteful. Heritage resources are given adaptive re-use because it is good for the environment. Recycling a valued heritage place makes adaptive re-use of historic buildings an essential component of sustainable development. The United States of America abounds with examples of creative (and remunerative) re-use of heritage. Old warehouses in Manhattan's meat-packing areas have been transformed into fashionable and expensive lofts. Elegant mansions in "Gone with the Wind" country were transformed into boutique hotels.

In London, a power plant along the River Thames became the elegant Tate Gallery of Modern Art. In Mexico City, the Cemento Azteca plant is now an environment-friendly children's museum-- El Papalote. Singapore has salvaged a cluster of decrepit shop houses, turning Boat Quay and Clarke Quay into an eclectic mix of high-end restaurants, al fresco dining, dazzling bars and pubs.

We are not too far behind in the Philippines that is why the HCS has chosen "Heritage Recycled" as its theme for 2008. Until now, you may not have noticed these twelve amazing projects of sustainable, adaptive re-use. Take a good look around you and find more incredible examples of how Filipinos have so creatively recycled heritage.

However, in the Philippine scene, recycling heritage and adaptive re-use are still polemical issues. Should heritage conservation be done strictly "in situ"? Should heritage structures be transferred to different sites and settings, when that is the only way to save them? Is adaptive re-use intrusive? Or, should heritage conservation be a priority at all? Let the debate begin. After which we, conservation advocates, can make policies suitable to our own needs and vision.

Register now for the Philippine Towns and Cities Seminar (9 November 2007)

2007-09-24T18:36:00.000+08:00

The main objective of this seminar series is to enhance civic engagement with local governments units so the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) can inform and guide them on the proper care and utilization of a valuable asset — built heritage resources. The first seminar was held last 8 November 2006, at the Development Academy of the Philippines, Pasig City.

In our towns and cities, wanton real estate speculation and over-construction are often mistaken for modernization when in fact these exert devastating pressure on the historic and cultural core of many of our human settlements. As a result, a valuable economic resource – built heritage — is left to deteriorate or is thoughtlessly demolished in the name of progress. Concerted effort is imperative to protect heritage resources because these are revenue and job-generating assets that can spark economic revitalization, as the case of Vigan clearly shows.

However, there is a general lack of awareness at the local government level, which is precisely where policies should be formulated and ordinances passed to declare heritage districts and protect these as the town's or city's prime assets. Built heritage resources should be the core of any master plan for urban development and inner town/city revitalization. Livelihood opportunities are generated by adaptive re-use, the revival of traditional crafts for restoration work and an increase in tourism receipts.

Significantly, communities begin to feel a "pride of place".

The "Philippine Towns and Cities" seminar series is a communications campaign to influence policy makers at the local government level. Through the "Mayors' Forum", best practices are shared. Other stakeholders in the Executive branch, the private sector and the academe are invited to participate because heritage conservation is a multi-disciplinary concern.

In a second seminar, the Heritage Conservation Society will take this awareness and education campaign to the local governments of the Vizayas, where built heritage resources abound in the cities of Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, and many others.

"PHILIPPINE TOWNS & CITIES:
Reflections of the Past, Lessons for the Future"
9 November 2007, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, 101 General Luna Street, Iloilo City

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Seminar Fee
Private Sector: P2,500
Government Sector: P1,500
Student (with valid ID): P500

Check payable to: Heritage Conservation Society
PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 31 October 2007, Wednesday
Deposit to: Heritage Conservation Society
BPI C/A # 8105-8153-61, M.H. Del Pilar Branch, Ermita

Contact Persons
Ms. Dorie Soriano (HCS)
Tel.: 521-2239
Fax: 522-2497
Email: info@heritage.org.ph

Ms. Len Diño (UPF)
Tel.: 895-1812 / 896-1902
Fax: 890-2480
Email: annalynn.upf@gmail.com

Ms. Vivian (Iloilo City)
Tel.: (033) 3372172
Email: benitojimena@yahoo.com

Seminar Organizers:
HERITAGE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (HCS)
THE ILOILO CITY GOVERNMENT
THE URBAN PARTNERSHIPS FOUNDATION (UPF)
PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNERS (PIEP)

New Book on World Heritage Sites in the Philippines

2007-09-15T23:35:00.000+08:00

Living Landscapes and Cultural Landmarks: World Heritage Sites in the Philippines by Augusto F. Villalon,
Photographs by Neal M. Oshima,
Publisher: ArtPostAsia Pte. Ltd, Manila, the Philippines

This attractive book is the first publication to present all five World Heritage properties located in the Philippines in a single volume. Widely acknowledged by the international scientific community as a "biodiversity hotspot", the Philippines hosts an astoundingly rich and varied network of terrestrial and marine life. Moreover, the distinctive blend of Eastern and Western architectural principles and technology that has evolved in the Philippines has given rise to sites of outstanding aesthetic and cultural values. For example, the Rice Terraces Cultural Landscape of the Philippine Cordilleras, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1995, has been shaped by traditional know-how handed down from successive generations. Furthermore, these magnificent rice terraces provide an exquisite setting for the traditional Hudhud chants of the local Ifugao people, which were recognized in 2001 by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Consequently, this unique yet fragile cultural landscape has come down through the ages as a testimony to the harmonious balance between heritage of humankind - both tangible and intangible - and the environment.

This publication received financial support from the World Heritage Fund. It was launched at UNESCO Headquarters in June 2007 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. UNESCO considers that such activities contribute positively to the ongoing debates on the many issues and challenges concerning the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in developing countries.

2007 HCS Calendar

2006-09-26T03:06:00.000+08:00

The 2007 HCS Calendar featuring heritage provincial capitols, city halls and municipios, is now on sale. For more information, contact:

Heritage Conservation Society
G/F Museo Pambata Building
Roxas Boulevard, Ermita
Manila, Philippines
Tel. +632 521 2239
Fax. +632 522 2497

For a closer look, you can download a pdf file here.

Brick horno in Camalaniugan, Cagayan

2006-07-26T22:10:00.000+08:00

The lost lighthouses of Ilocos Sur

2006-07-26T11:18:00.000+08:00

By Frank Cimatu, Leoncio Balbin Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 01:06am (Mla time) 07/26/2006

Published on Page A15 of the July 26, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

Editor's Note: This is the fourth of a series of reports on lighthouses in Northern Luzon. The Inquirer is featuring these century-old structures to highlight their importance to the country's northern sea lanes and call public attention to their neglect.

ILOCOS SUR is one of the oldest provinces in the country and an important trading center for the Spaniards. The Chinese pirate Limahong used to pillage the settlements there and later traded with local folk four centuries ago.

The province has an extensive shoreline, but many residents are wondering why they can't spot a lighthouse as imposing as Cape Bojeador at the tip of Ilocos Norte.

But the lighthouses of Ilocos Sur are there, albeit forgotten and neglected. Now, local officials are calling for the restoration of the "lost beacons."

The once important lighthouses during the Spanish times are in Narvacan, San Esteban and Sinait towns, Vice Gov. Deogracias Savellano said.

"These are brick monuments of history. As much as we wanted to restore them, we have no funds yet for this project," Savellano said.

The structure in Narvacan may not even be a lighthouse but a watchtower.

Michael Canosa, 42, a resident of Barangay Sulvec, said the old brick facility in their backyard was built during the time of the Spaniards.

Canosa said based on the stories shared by his relatives, his great grandfather, Lope Canosa, was among the recruited soldiers who served as sentry under the Spanish government.

The watchtower was used to warn residents of the arrival of pirates.

"They would blow a horn to signal the arrival of the pirates for residents to prepare," Canosa said.

The watchtower is deteriorating; its bricks chipping off due to exposure to the elements. The ownership of the area where the watchtower sits is also being disputed in court between the Canosas and the municipal government.

Reminders
Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson has initiated moves to restore the lighthouse in nearby San Esteban. "Even if these lighthouses are obsolete, they are still important reminders of the glory that was Ilocos Sur," he said.

He said lighthouses used to draw the community together. To make his point, he converted the Parola lighthouse in Barangay Darapidap in Candon City into a promenade. The lighthouse was built in the 1950s.

A boardwalk, a fountain and a mini-stage were inaugurated in the area in April. Bands perform onstage during the balmy summer nights. Singson said an amusement park would be added later.

The 20-meter lighthouse is useful to fishermen in the town, Eduardo Villanueva, chair of Barangay Darapidap, said. "It serves as a reference for fishermen during blackouts."

At first, they used kerosene for the beacon until 1971 when electricity was tapped in the village.

Another modern lighthouse is in Cabugao town.

Savellano said the historic Dardarat lighthouse also guided fishermen's voyages to the Salomague port. Because of the port, Salomague is among the few Ilocos villages found on ancient mariner's maps.

"During the American occupation, it served as a mooring place for USS Manauili that ferried thousands of mostly Ilocano residents across the Pacific to work at sugar plantations in Hawaii and California," Savellano said.

Now leased to a private corporation, it is the transshipment port of goods and products to Taiwan. It is also the unloading point of commercial fishing vessels.

101-year-old lighthouse is Bolinao’s landmark

2006-06-29T22:22:00.000+08:00

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=6949

By Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes
Inquirer
Last updated 00:26am (Mla time) 06/28/2006

Published on Page A19 of the June 28, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

Editor’s Note: This is the third of a series of reports on lighthouses in Northern Luzon. The Inquirer is featuring these century-old structures to highlight their importance to the country’s northern sea lanes and call attention to their neglect.

FOR 101 years now, the Cape Bolinao lighthouse stands proud atop Punta Piedra Point in Barangay Patar in Bolinao, Pangasinan, guiding ships and vessels cruising the international passage along the South China Sea.

Nestled amid trees, the lighthouse was built in 1905 by Filipino, British and American engineers. It is one of the five major lighthouses in the country and the second tallest, next to the Cape Bojeador lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It has become a prominent landmark that tourists frequent.

The 30.78-meter (101-foot) tower provides a panoramic view of the blue sea and white beaches, offshore reefs and rock formations, as well as rolling verdant hills. Once in a while, a passing vessel dots the sea, an international route of vessels going to Hong Kong, Japan and the United States.

The 140-step winding stairway of the tower leads to the illumination room, 76.2 m above sea level. According to Pedro Honrada, the lighthouse’s head keeper, the lantern is visible 44 kilometers away, guiding seafarers (led toward this area by a lighthouse in Zambales) toward the lighthouse in Poro Point, La Union.

The late Bolinao historian Catalino Catanaoan said the original light machine was manufactured in England, while the lantern, with three wicks and chimneys, was imported from France.

“Filipino machinists were able to copy the original [when they repaired it]. The light machine is rotated by a system of gears like that of a big clock with a pendulum of weights, winded and suspended with steel cable,” he said.

Kerosene fuel

The lighthouse was fueled by kerosene during its first 80 years of operation. When the Pangasinan I Electric Cooperative extended its lines to Patar, the lanterns were powered by electricity.

In 1999, the lighthouse was renovated through a loan package extended by the Japanese government to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is in charge of the facility. Aside from repairing and repainting the tower, the assistance included setting up solar panels, a new apparatus and two beacon lights. The panels recharge the lights.

The lighthouse has also been getting the attention it deserves from the municipal government.

In June last year, Mayor Alfonso Celeste entered into a memorandum of agreement with the PCG to “adopt” the Cape Bolinao lighthouse to ensure its preservation and maintenance, under the PCG’s “Adopt a Lighthouse Program.”

Under the MOA, the PCG continues to be the sole owner of the lighthouse. It has the right to deny entry into the area during emergency cases and is responsible for the operation, repair and regular maintenance of the beacon light and its supporting mechanisms.

On the other hand, the local government will take charge of rehabilitation and maintenance of the immediate vicinity (except that of the beacon, solar panels and other equipment), provide maintenance personnel, and protect the facilities from vandals.

Cultural heritage

The local government is also tasked with promoting the declaration of the lighthouse as a cultural heritage.

Already, the lighthouse compound has been spruced up. The uphill road leading to the tower has been paved with the help of Pangasinan Rep. Arturo Celeste. A view deck has been put up in the area.

The rehabilitation of the administration building and a public bath was funded by the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Brunner Carranza, municipal planning and development officer, said a worker assigned by the local government keeps the area clean all day.

While the lighthouse has become a tourist attraction by itself, it has failed to do its “job” of guiding sea vessels at night, Honrada said.

In early November 2004, the beacon lights started to dim until it finally shut off on Nov. 8.

“The batteries bogged down,” Honrada said. He has been following up with the PCG navigation command the repair of the batteries that cost about P1 million—to no avail.

“My wish is that before I retire [in October], the lighthouse will be working again,” Honrada said.