ICOMOS Participates in the Extended 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee

Annually, ICOMOS invites a global and multidisciplinary panel of heritage experts to assess each country’s nominations for World Heritage Sites. Among that panel was ICOMOS Philippines’ past president Tina Paterno, presenting via video the decision of the ICOMOS World Heritage Panel to inscribe Portugal’s Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone on the World Heritage List at the Extended 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee at the Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

One of the most important steps in inscription to the World Heritage Site list is the advice that ICOMOS gives to UNESCO. Each work in tandem to process tentative inscriptions from desk reviews, to physical site visits and, if merited, to the final announcement for inscription.

For more information about the ICOMOS Philippines, please contact: info@icomosphilippines.com

For information on ICOMOS Philippines please visit our website at: https://philippines.icomos.org/

#ICOMOS #ICOMOSPhilippines #ICOMOSInternational #UNESCO #World Heritage List

Photo credit: Dr. Teresa Patricio, President, ICOMOS International

ICOMOS Philippines Elected New Board of Trustees and Officers

Manila, Philippines – ICOMOS Philippines recently concluded their Annual General Assembly on July 15, 2023, 3:00 PM (GMT+8) in a hybrid setup using the Zoom Conferencing Platform and held onsite at the Plaza Santiago Bldg., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. 

The main agenda of the Annual Membership Meeting were the presentation of the End of Term Reports of outgoing Trustees and Officers, and the Election of the New Board of Trustees. 

Outgoing President Maria Cristina Paterno presents her final term report for 2022 – 2023

In accordance with the provisions of the current by – laws of the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines, Inc. (ICOMOS PH) and in coherence with the Statutes, Rules of Procedure and Ethical principles of ICOMOS International,  the ICOMOS PH Membership, with a quorum of 55 present out of 81 members at its official General Assembly, elected its new Board of Trustees and Executive Officers for 2023 – 2026 (3-year term).

The ICOMOS Philippines onsite attendees pose for a group photo together with the Membership who attended via Zoom Platform.

For the term of 2023 – 2026, the following are the new Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Officers (EOs) as elected during the first Executive Meeting of the new BoT held last July 17, 2023:

  • Chairman / President: Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela
  • Vice President: Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua
  • Corporate Secretary: Ms. Lilia Rosa “Tats” Rejante-Manahan
  • Treasurer: Ar. Harvey A. Vasquez
  • Board Trustee and Spokesperson: Ar. Michael “Mico” F. Manalo

In the same meeting, the new BoT selected and appointed the new Committee Officers and National Representatives / Coordinators for the same 3-year term:

  • Communications Officer: Mr. JH Corpus
  • Membership Officer: Ar. Giuseppe “Gio” Luigi Hernandez Abcede
  • Legal Counsel: Atty. Kathleen “Kate” Felise Constance D. Tantuico
  • EPWG National Representative: Ar. Claudia Isabelle V. Montero
  • SDGWG National Representative: Ar. Anjelika A. Orui
  • CCHWG National Representative: Ms. Kristine Kate A. Lim

(EPWG: Emerging Professionals Working Group, SDGWG: Sustainable Development Goals Working Group, CCHWG: Climate Change and Heritage Working Group. All National Representatives are also Coordinators)

New Board of Trustees, Officers and National Representatives

The ICOMOS Philippines Membership is pleased to have them in the National Committee and looks forward to their valuable contribution towards an excellent and fruitful three-year term.

Know more about the people behind the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines in the links below: 

Board of Trustees and the Secretariat

Committee Officers and National Representatives

Call for Candidature – ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees (2020-2023)

In accordance with the ICOMOS Philippines By-laws, the 2020 General Assembly will elect the Board of Trustees for a term of three years (2020-2023). The Board of Trustees will elect among themselves the Chairman / President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Information Session, held last 30 October 2020, provided more information on proposed policies, procedures, and by-laws amendments which further elaborated the scopes and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees.

Functions and Powers of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall have general charge of the property, business and affairs of the Organization with the power to manage, direct, and supervise the same under its collective responsibility as provided in the By-laws and the Policies and Procedure. Trustees shall:

  • Appoint or elect all officers, employees, and other administrative officers of the Organization as may be designated, except junior officers and minor employees; to define their duties and to discipline or remove them.
  • Purchase or otherwise acquire for the Organization rights and privileges of properties, and to manage, conserve, and invest the funds of the Organization
  • Approve the annual budget of the Organization
  • Delegate from time to time any of the powers of the Board which can lawfully be delegated to any standing or special committee or to any agent or officers and to appoint any person or persons to act as agents of the Organization with such powers and upon such terms as it may deem fit.

Additional Scope of Work of the Board of Trustees (based on the Policies and Procedure 2020)

Members of the ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees donate time and expertise to the Organization and they are part of a working board. As such, Trustees are expected to do the following tasks:

  1. Donate a minimum of 10-20 hours a month of their time to the organization. Each trustee must take charge of one of the following for the duration of their tenure: staff management; fundraising; or 1 project per year
  2. Assist the President in the cultivation of donors, partners, supporters, collaborators, allies, and other stakeholders
  3. Ensure the organization’s activities are compliant and in furtherance of its mission in compliance with international parent organizations and local mission / vision
  4. Engage in the creation of long and short-term goals with the President
  5. Assist in review of financial statement
  6. Respond to email within 48 hours for items for Board approval, as and when required.

Application Procedure:

Interested parties should submit their letter of intent and (1) curriculum vitae, (2) letter of intent, and (3) proposed agenda for the next 3 years to the ICOMOS Philippines Secretariat at info@icomosphilippines.com with the email title “Trustees Application 2020 – Last Name” by 15 November 2020.

For more information on the position and how to apply, please read the information below.

ICOMOS Philippines Information Session

ICOMOS Philippines’ Board of Trustees and Officers will be holding an ??????????? ??????? on ??????? ?? (??????), ?:??-9:3? ?? (???+?). In this event, the Board of Trustees will discuss the following:

  • Proposed update for the organization’s by-laws, policies and procedures
  • Voting procedures and candidature details for the upcoming board elections in November 2020

Members are highly encouraged to attend in preparation for the upcoming General Assembly and Board Elections. Members may RSVP through email to the secretariat at: info@icomosphilippines.com

2018 ICOMOS Annual General Assembly held in Buenos Aires, Argentina

From the 3rd to the 7th December 2018, members of ICOMOS Philippines attended the Annual General Assembly of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  This meeting is part of a three-year cycle of formal discussions leading to the next General Assembly which will be held in Sydney, Australia by 2020.

ICOMOS Philippines was represented by the following members: Tina Paterno, ICOMOS President, Gabriel Caballero, Contributing Expert of ISCCL and EPWG Commnunications Officer, and John Peterson, ICAHM President.

From L-R: Gabriel Caballero, John Peterson, Tina Paterno

Ms. Paterno attended the Regional Group meeting for Asia-Pacific and presented the current activities of ICOMOS Philippines. Mr Caballero, together with the ICOMOS Board, organised the World Heritage Training Session which was aimed at engaging members about the organisation’s role within the World Heritage system. Mr. Peterson chaired the annual meeting of the International Scientific Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management . The proceedings of these discussions will be published by ICOMOS Argentina in the months to come.

ICOMOS Philippines Elects its New Board of Trustees

During its annual General Assembly held at the Ayuntamiento in Intramuros last August 19, 2017, members of ICOMOS Philippines elected Maria Cristina Paterno, Ar. Michael Angelo Liwanag, La. Susan Aquino-Ong, Maria Karina Garilao, and Ar. Jeffrey Cobilla as the new Board of Trustees.

Attendees of the 2017 ICOMOS Philippines General Assembly held last August 19, 2017 at the Ayuntamiento, Intramuros, Manila.

In a succeeding meeting of the Board of Trustees, Maria Cristina Paterno was elected as President, La. Susan Aquino-Ong was elected as Vice President, and Ar. Jeffrey Cobillawas elected as Assistant Corporate Secretary. Elected as Corporate Secretary was Atty. Lucille Karen Malilong.

For more information about our current Board of Trustees, please click on this link

ICOMOS Philippines General Assembly 2016

Continuing a tradition that started last year, ICOMOS Philippines held its first meeting of the year at this icon of modern Philippine architecture, the home of the late National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio, at 2650 Zamora Street, Pasay City.

The first meeting and general assembly of 2016 (February 6, Saturday) was energetic and productive, with Bojer Capati doing a presentation about heritage fortifications.

The meeting was fueled by the delicious brunch prepared by Malu Antonio Veloso (third from right in photo), champion and protector of her father’s architectural legacy.

Villalon named Honorary Member, Henares elected ICTC VP, resolution on Rizal Monument approved at 18th ICOMOS GA

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) elevated Arch. Augusto F. Villalon to Honorary Member during its 18th General Assembly last November 15 in Florence, Italy. Honorary Membership is conferred by the General Assembly upon individuals who have rendered distinguished service in the field of conservation, restoration and enhancement of historical monuments, sites, and groups of buildings.

This recognition is given every 3 years during the ICOMOS General Assembly and 6 members have been conferred this year. Arch. Villalon is the first Filipino to be conferred as Honorary Member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites. Congratulations!

For more information, read: Cebuano architect is named to int’l heritage council.

Ivan Anthony Henares, was elected Vice President of the International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC) during their annual meeting also held in Florence, Italy. ICTC is the ICOMOS scientific committee which promotes the sustainable development and responsible management of cultural tourism at places of cultural heritage significance – historic towns, cultural landscapes, archaeological sites and cultural routes – including World Heritage Sites.

The post was previously held by another Filipino, Architect Villalon. In announcing Henares’ election, Villalon said, “Ivan Henares was just unanimously elected Vice President of the ICOMOS Cultural Tourism Committee. I know that Ivan will maintain the strong presence of the Philippines in the ICOMOS Cultural Tourism Committee.”

During the general assembly, a resolution was passed regarding the historic Rizal Monument. The original version was drafted by ICOMOS Philippines. Senator Pia Cayetano and Ambassador Virgilio Reyes attended the general assembly to push for the resolution. Here is the text of the resolution:

Resolution 18GA2014/31

Protection of Cultural Heritage in Relation to Real Estate Development: Rizal Monument, Manila, Philippines(submitted by ICOMOS Philippines)

The 18th General Assembly of ICOMOS, Recalling the International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites, also known as the Venice Charter, which states, inter alia, that “the concept of a historical monument embraces not only the single architectural work but also the urban or rural setting in which it is found the evidence of a particular development or a historical event” and “the conservation of a monument implies preserving a setting which is not out of scale,”

Recalling moreover that the Venice Charter provides that “the sites of monuments must be the object of special care in order to safeguard their integrity and ensure that they are cleared and presented in a seemly manner,”

Noting that the Monument to the Philippine National Hero, Dr Jose Rizal, whose remains are buried in it and near the scene of his execution in Luneta Park, has been an enduring, honored, and iconic site for all Filipinos ever since it was inaugurated on 30 December 1913 in the City of Manila,”


Recalling that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has issued “Guidelines on Monuments Honoring National Heroes, Illustrious Filipinos, and other Personages”, which provides the need to “keep vista points and visual corridors to monuments clear for unobstructed viewing and photographic opportunities,”

Noting with grave concern that construction has begun on a 46-storey residential building located 400 meters from Rizal Park which may significantly compromise key sightlines of Rizal Monument and could have detrimental impacts on the heritage values and on the setting of this national monument,

Encourages all authorities of the Philippines to work in cooperation with ICOMOS Philippines to develop and implement conservation measures for the protection of Rizal Monument and its setting.

For more information, read: Pia Cayetano: Rizal Monument named one of world’s threatened heritage sites.

17th ICOMOS General Assembly held in Paris, France

The 17th ICOMOS General Assembly was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France from November 27 to December 2, 2011. Representing the Philippine National Committee were Ma. Joycelyn Mananghaya, Ivan Anthony Henares and David Mason.

Mananghaya and Henares also attended the 2011 annual meetings of the Cultural Landscapes (ISCCL) and Cultural Tourism (ICTC) committees respectively. The Philippines will be hosting the 2012 ICTC Annual Meeting in Vigan, Ilocos Sur from November 5 to 10, 2012.

ICOMOS Philippines Participation at the 16th ICOMOS General Assembly

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.