Maintaining the status of a World Heritage Site is a daunting task in an environment where earthquakes, typhoons and fire are frequent occurrences. Those sites that are inscribed are the responsibility of the stakeholders to uphold the site’s exceptional value, authenticity and integrity. Having local stakeholders involved promotes a sense of ownership, a pride of place and a closer-knit community. These values and more are what sustains the World Heritage Site and ensures their existence in the future.
UNESCO Jakarta paid a courtesy call visit from December 10 – 12, 2023 to the Historic City of Vigan – Vigan City PH. Director Ms. Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa and Mr. Rizky Fardhyan were able to tour the heritage core of the city to note the extent of damage from the earthquake of 2022. They paid a visit to the Mayor Jose “Bonito” C. Singson, Jr., a focal person and key stakeholder, to introduce themselves and to clarify any points about the purposes of the present restoration efforts. The visit was of the utmost importance for UNESCO Jakarta so that they could observe Vigan’s stakeholder involvement and their cooperation in all the activities as well, since it is through the work of the local stakeholders that the Historic City of Vigan will be ultimately restored.
Working together, the local government unit of Vigan and its stakeholders, UNESCO Jakarta, ICOMOS Philippines want to ensure the continual revitalization of the Historic City of Vigan so that any endeavors will sustain the town’s exceptional authenticity and significance as a World Heritage Site.
Please see the article in the Philippine Star Lifestyle and Arts section. Read here 
https://bitly.ws/3eIWS , you may also check in ICOMOS PH’s website here https://bitly.ws/3eIYa.
This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund. We wish to thank its donors: the Qatar Fund for Development, the Government of Canada, the Kingdom of Norway, the French Republic, the United Kingdom, the Principality of Monaco, the Republic of Estonia, ANA Holdings INC, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Serbia.
Concerned stakeholders who are interested in providing in-kind contribution, you may contact Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, Country Project Director, through kenneth.javier.tua@icomosphilippines.com and cc.: info@icomosphilippines.com. Let’s protect and promote our diverse cultural heritage together.
For more information on ICOMOS Philippines https://philippines.icomos.org/
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