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
Last 13 October 2020, ICOMOS Philippines Member Mr. Ivan Henares was elected as Secretary General of the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC) for 2020-2023.
The ICTC is a global network of cultural heritage, conservation and tourism professionals & academics; and a platform for multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder research and activities with the aim of achieving high standards in policy directions and management of cultural heritage at historic sites and tourism destinations. Mainstreaming cross-cutting issues places conservation and cultural tourism centre stage in sustainable development agendas. As an international professional network ICTC seeks to work at a strategic level to advise governments and influence international bodies – UNESCO, UNWTO & IUCN – to adopt policies and practices that better support cultural heritage conservation in the context of tourism development.
As Secretary General, Mr. Henares will be responsible for assisting the president of the committee in the running of ICTC and will circulate, direct, and/or coordinate internal communications among the members, to external parties and the ICOMOS Secretariat. He has previously served as Vice President for the Scientific Committee for 2 terms, from 2014-2017 and 2017-2020.
Here is what Ivan Henares’ response when asked what will be the future of cultural tourism amidst the global pandemic.
ICOMOS Philippines would like to congratulate Mr. Henares for his success and further contribution to the scientific work of cultural tourism professionals globally!
Kenneth Tua, Research Intern of ICOMOS Philippines for 2020, did a baseline study of the preparedness of Landscape Architecture curricula in the Philippines for the specialization of Landscape Heritage Conservation (LHC). Courses from four (4) Philippine universities were reviewed and thematic areas of study were proposed patterned from identified programs of UNESCO Chairs for Heritage and from other similar programs on cultural landscapes that exemplify course concentrations significant to the curriculum integration of the specialization of LHC. The study also provided a joint SWOT – PESTEL analyses to support the preparation of the ‘Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities’ to be obtained by the students from the LHC specialization.
The study entitled “PHILIPPINE LANDSCAPE HERITAGE EDUCATION: Review of the preparedness of Landscape Architecture curricula in the Philippines for the specialization of Landscape Heritage Conservation (LHC),” was supervised by Philippine members of the International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes, Mr. Gabriel Caballero, MA (Expert Member) and Dr. Susan Aquino-Ong, PhD (Advisory Member). Both advisors are also members of the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects, which is the national association of landscape architects in the country.
Thematic Areas of knowledge conceptualized to understand and manage cultural landscapes in the Philippines
Computing / Information Technology.The intervention of technology in the advancement of heritage conservation is vital in the future of preservation and restoration. The use of interactive websites, mobile applications, new multimedia and transmedia narratives, 2D and 3D photos, ethno-clips for heritage interpretation, content management system (CMS) and social media, 3D scanning, GIS, BIM or 3D reconstructions are the future of precise and detailed documentation and analysis of landscapes and heritage materials.
Conflictualities and Memory. Geopolitical tensions affecting cultural heritage and cultural landscapes are compounded by the complexity of their management due to potential conflicts of interest. Economic externalities and uncontrolled tourism can pose a threat to the integrity of landscapes and eventually lead to a sociological upheaval in the natural and cultural environment.
Cultural Diplomacy.The emergence of national and international awareness of the laws, policies and guidelines governing the landscapes and the natural environment plays a vital part in the protection against private interests and politics. The skills of cultural diplomatic affairs serve an important role in the pro-creation and amendments specificity of heritage and landscape-related laws.
Cultural Geography.The living cultural heritage of local landscapes are inseparable from its meaning, as it faces problems from social and economic developments such as poverty, loss of culture, endangerment of indigenous language, emigration etc., the establishment of development of the territory through heritage encourages the need for harmonious dialogue. This requires both the skills to pre-emptively evaluate projects and formulate management modalities that take into account the “behaviors” of the various stakeholders, not necessarily rational or concerned with guardianship of the values attested.
Natural Sciences.The continuation of the hardscape and softscape design aspects of Landscape Architecture which integrates traditional skills and indigenous knowledge on local and alternative materials retrieved from landscapes. Collaboration with biologists, horticulturists, geologists, local craftsmen and related professions are encouraged to train professionals in the complex and integrated management of landscapes and nature conservation.
National Citizenship.The Philippines is composed of various native language and dialects. It requires interculturality and transdisciplinary when thinking between micro-cultures in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. When understanding the cultural heritage on these specific localities, it is important to familiarize or at least know the basics of various native language and culture. This also calls for the study of prominent figures and icons in Philippine History like José Rizal, Fernando Amorsolo and the likes who prompted early perspectives and valuing in the local landscapes.
Cultural Heritage Management.The specialization’s focal component which deals with cultural heritage and heritage preservation facets of Philippine landscapes. With the continuing modernization of built and natural landscapes, it is important to strike balance between conserving the physical integrity of the sites and nourishing their educational, historic and cultural values amidst the developing societal industries.
Epistemology. The classical natural sciences and its subsequent extension to the social and behavioral sciences dealing with the origin of history, nature of theories, and investigation of concepts. Further emphasizing heritage through analyzing socio-historical issues and epistemological issues of cultural goods and memory management of landscapes in coordination with conflictualities and memory thematic area.
Sustainability.The notion of sustainability and sustainable development on its application to the cultural landscapes has entered the World Heritage Operational Guidelines as early as 1994, with reference to the “sustainable use” of cultural landscapes. This idea is further stressed on the ‘Budapest Declaration’ which emphasizes the need to ensure an appropriate and equitable balance between conservation, sustainability and development, through appropriate activities contributing to the social and economic development and the quality of life of our communities.
Next Steps and Recommendations
These thematic areas of study are just initial findings of potential knowledge streams that can be taught for landscape architecture students. Further studies in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA), the Technical Committee for Landscape Architecture, Commission on Higher Education (TCLA CHED), Professional Regulation Commission – Board of Landscape Architecture (PRC – BOLA), and the four (4) universities will need to be done to refine the study in the future.
For interested researchers or interns who would like to know more about the confluence of cultural landscapes and education, please get in touch with ICOMOS Philippines for potential continuation of the study. Contact communications@icomosphilippines.com
The ICOMOS International Emerging Professionals Working Group (EPWG) was established in 2017, in response to the 2016 ICOMOS Annual Report’s call for expansion of the Emerging Professional membership base. Nine resolutions were passed at the 19th ICOMOS General Assembly, in Delhi, India, that constituted the roles and scope of activity undertaken by the EPWG (Resolution 19GA 2017/33 – Emerging Professionals Initiative). International and regional teleconferences are organized by the EPWG, to track the progress of ongoing initiatives, share updates, and further engage emerging heritage practitioners, in the role of an ICOMOS Working Group. The ICOMOS International Emerging Professionals Working Group (EPWG) was established in 2017, in response to the 2016 ICOMOS Annual Report’s call for expansion of the Emerging Professional membership base. Nine resolutions were passed at the 19th ICOMOS General Assembly, in Delhi, India, that constituted the roles and scope of activity undertaken by the EPWG . International and regional teleconferences are organized by the EPWG, to track the progress of ongoing initiatives, share updates, and further engage emerging heritage practitioners, in the role of an ICOMOS Working Group.
The period of appointment of the current Emerging Professional (EP) representative of the Philippines, Gabriel Caballero, concludes end 2020 – and we are therefore seeking candidates to take on this volunteer position for the period 2021- 2023.
For more information on the position and how to apply, please read the information below.
Please note that the applications must be sent to the ICOMOS Philippines Secretariat at info@icomosphilippines.com with the email title “EPWG Application 2020 – Last Name” by 5 November 2020.
ICOMOS Philippines’ intern Kenneth Tua will present his research on Philippine Landscape Heritage Education. This is his final presentation for the Internship Programme.
Philippine Landscape Heritage Education16 October 2020 (Friday) | 8:00 PM Philippine Standard Time
SPEAKER
“Philippine Landscape Heritage Education: Review of the preparedness of Landscape Architecture curricula in the Philippines for the specialization of Landscape Heritage Conservation (LHC)”
Mr. Kenneth J. Tua is a registered & licensed architect and a sustainable territorial development consultant. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas and have acquired professional certifications as a scholar in Sustainability, Sustainable Development, and Innovation programmes from YSISEA in Singapore, APYE in Thailand and Social Innovation Center, Hanyang University, South Korea. He previously worked for the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines – Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) where he handled the research of the proposed Manila Esplanade Lighting Project and low impact development projects. Currently, he is a graduate scholar of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in DYnamics of Cultural Landscape, heritage, Memory and conflictualities (DYCLAM+).
DETAILS
“Philippine Landscape Heritage Education”, is schedule this Friday, October 16, 2020, 8:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time)
ICOMOS Philippines is very pleased to welcome its new members for the year 2020! Get to know them as we share with you a brief of their profile and expertise.
Ana Georgia Sagum
Ms. Ana Georgia Sagum is an Erasmus Mundus scholar taking her Joint Master Degree program in Dynamics of Cultural Landscape, Heritage, Memory and Conflictualities (DYCLAM+) in Europe. She received her Bachelor’s degree in European Languages at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
She is currently a communications intern at the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences, UNESCO, preparing for the European Humanities Conference 2021. She is also an online trainee at Culture Media Agency, Belgium. Prior to this, Georgia was the Philippine delegate for Taiwan Nature Treasure Map Program, producing tourism promotion materials for the country’s natural sites. She also spent time in Spain doing the Auxiliares de Conversación program spearheading classes and cultural events in conversational English.
Moved by languages, she speaks Tagalog, Kapampangan, English, French, Spanish, and is currently learning Portuguese. Gearing towards a career in heritage conservation, Georgia exhibits a strong interest in cultural and creative industries, fueled by her faith in the transformative power of culture with regards to identity empowerment and social cohesion.
Charl Justine Darapisa
L.Arch. Charl Justine Darapisa is a recent graduate from Seoul National University. His final dissertation focuses on discovering the landscape identities of vernacular landscape of Mangyan Iraya tribe through ethnographic study and social learning processes. With particular interests in Indigenous belief system and plural traditional knowledge, he wishes to uncover more similar conceptualizations of vernacular landscapes among different Indigenous communities in the Philippines. A chunk of his research was presented in the ICOMOS International Scientific Conference of Indigenous Cultural Heritage where he showed the relationship of different environmental and cultural values that shape the Mangyan Iraya’s forest conservation regimes. He believes that Landscape Architects have important roles in shaping our understanding towards culturally-significant landscapes in the country. In the future, he wants to explore the social-psychological dimensions of Indigenous communities that shape their environment and world view.
Jame Monren Tapalla Mercado
Mr. Jame Monren Tapalla Mercado
is a Faculty Member, Department of Tourism Management, University of Santo Tomas – College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Faculty Research Associate, UST – Research Center for Social Sciences and Education, and Associate Researcher, UST – Graduate School – CCCPET. He obtained his BS in Hospitality Management (Magna Cum Laude) from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Intramuros, Manila, Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Studies (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, and an Executive Course in Designing and Developing Sustainable Tourism, Asian Institute of Management (Full Scholarship Grant). Currently, he is taking up a Graduate Certificate course in ASEAN Studies at the University of the Philippines Open University.
He presented and published different research locally and internationally, concentrating on heritage management and development and tourism planning and development. As an associate researcher of UST GS-CCCPET, some of his projects were the Ormoc City Continuing Projects specifically in conceptualizing a Sustainable Tourism Development Plan, Ysla de Panciteria – Luzon Island Project under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Research Awards 2019 for an Individual Category and the Samar Island Natural Park Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan – as part of the Nomination Dossier for the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
New members of ICOMOS PH will be presenting their work to the membership. “Managing Cultural and Creative Industries Projects” by Ms. Ana Georgia Sagym, “Tikim sa Pananaliksik: The Story of Ysla de Panciteria” by Mr. Jame Monren T. Mercado, and “and “Transcendental Values of the Mangyan Iraya Tribe as Environmental-Cultural Nexus in Forest Conservation ” by Mr. Charl Justine B. Darapisa. This event is the second New Members Speak of ICOMOS lecture series.
New Members Speak: Young Professionals on Culture and Heritage10 October 2020 (Saturday) | 3:00 PM Philippine Standard Time
SPEAKERS
Ms. Ana Georgia Sagum is a graduate scholar taking her joint Master’s degree in Dynamics of Cultural Landscape, Heritage, Memory, and Conflictualities (DYCLAM+) in Europe. Gearing towards a career in heritage management, Georgia exhibits a strong interest in cultural and creative industries, fueled by her faith in the transformative power of culture with regard to identity empowerment and social cohesion.
Mr. Jame Monren T. Mercado is an Associate Researcher of the UST Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and the Environment in the Tropics. He is currently taking a Graduate Certificate in ASEAN Studies at UP Open University. He focuses on heritage management and development, heritage tourism, culinary heritage, tourism planning, development, tourism impacts, and sustainability.
Mr. Charl Justine B. Darapisa is a recent graduate from Seoul National University (SNU) and was part of SNU Cultural Landscape and Design Lab throughout his Master’s program. With particular interests in Indigenous belief systems and plural traditional knowledge, he wishes to uncover more comparable conceptualizations of vernacular landscapes among different Indigenous communities in the Philippines.
DETAILS
“New Members Speak: Young Professionals on Culture and Heritage”, is scheduled this Saturday, October 10, 2020, 3:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time).
