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.