Cebu City — The cobblestone streets of Cebu were once again alive with footsteps, music, and cultural wonder as Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) celebrated its 18th year on May 23, 2025. Marking its “debut” into adulthood, the much-loved heritage night took on a vibrant, youthful spirit with the theme “Batan-ong Bahandi” (Youthful Treasures), highlighting the powerful role of young Cebuanos in shaping the future of cultural heritage.
GSK, which began in 2007 through the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), was inspired by the European ‘Long Night of Museums’. Since then, it has evolved into a hallmark cultural event in Cebu, offering a unique opportunity for residents and tourists alike to explore the city’s history through extended nighttime access to museums and heritage sites. From 6:00 p.m. to midnight, GSK 2025 featured 22 participating sites across Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay, drawing large crowds of culture lovers, families, students, and curious explorers.
This year’s celebration was deeply resonant, coinciding with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Youth in Philippine History. With the 150th birth anniversaries of young heroes Emilio Jacinto, Gregorio del Pilar, and Gregoria de Jesus, the event emphasized how the energy, creativity, and idealism of today’s youth mirror those who once stood at the forefront of the nation’s fight for freedom and identity.
One of the newest partners of RAFI, the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines (ICOMOS PH), joined in the festivities for the first time. Representing the organization were ICOMOS PH President Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, Ar. Joy Onozawa, and Heritage Affairs Officer Abdulbasir B. Endong. The team visited several sites, engaging in meaningful conversations with cultural workers, volunteers, and attendees—all while appreciating the youth-centric programming that ran throughout the evening.
Seeing heritage celebrated in such an engaging, youthful way reminds everyone that the future of cultural conservation lies in inspiring the next generation. Gabii sa Kabilin perfectly embodies that blend of tradition and innovation, and we’re honored to be part of its 18th year.
True to its theme, this year’s GSK infused fresh energy into every stop—whether through interactive exhibits, live performances by student artists, or storytelling sessions led by young heritage advocates. For many first-time visitors and seasoned supporters alike, the night served as a powerful reminder that heritage is not a static memory of the past, but a living, evolving narrative shaped by each generation.
As the city’s most awaited cultural night matured into its symbolic debutante year, Gabii sa Kabilin 2025 proved that heritage, when passed down with purpose and passion, blossoms anew—especially in the hands of the youth. With organizations like ICOMOS PH supporting these efforts, the future of Philippine cultural preservation is in promising hands.
Manila, Philippines – May 2, 2025 — As part of its continuing efforts to professionalize and strengthen the cultural heritage sector, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) successfully hosted the International Conference on the Competency Framework for Cultural Heritage Management on May 2, 2025. The event, held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater Ballroom in Ermita, Manila, brought together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in heritage conservation from across the country. This conference is in line with the month-long celebration of Heritage Month 2025, further highlighting the importance of advancing cultural heritage management in the Philippines.
Organized in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines (ICOMOS Philippines), the conference served as a significant platform for advancing the discussion on building a national competency framework aligned with global heritage management standards.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Joseph Patrick V. Lee, Chief of the Cultural Properties Regulation Division at NCCA, who recognized all of the participating heritage workers coming from different agencies, organizations, and universities. This was followed by Ms. Beverly Macayan-Bautista, MAEd, Officer-in-Charge of USTGS-CCCPET, who articulated the rationale of the conference. She underscored the need for structured competency-based training programs that reflect the evolving demands of heritage work, especially in the face of climate change, urbanization, and cultural globalization.
The conference featured an esteemed lineup of speakers who shared global and local perspectives on cultural heritage management:
Ms. Felicia Sta. Maria, an independent writer and researcher, delivered a compelling talk on Early Initiatives to Guide Cultural Workers in the Philippines, offering a historical overview of past capacity-building initiatives and highlighting the longstanding need for a unified professional framework in the field.
Prof. Neel Kamal Chapagain, PhD, a respected academic from Ahmedabad University, India, discussed Developing the Competency Framework for Cultural Heritage Management. He drew from his international experience and UNESCO-led frameworks to propose a structured skill set model that includes knowledge, abilities, and ethical values vital to safeguarding cultural heritage.
Assoc. Prof. Eric Babar Zerrudo, PhD, Executive Director of NCCA, presented Aligning Cultural Heritage Education in the Philippines to the UNESCO Competency Framework: The UST Graduate School Program Experience. His talk highlighted the importance of integrating heritage education into academic institutions and aligning curricula with global standards such as UNESCO’s “Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management” to ensure sustainability and excellence in the field.
Assoc. Prof. Cheek S. Fadriquela, PhD, President of ICOMOS Philippines, spoke on ICOMOS Philippines as a Driver of Informed Heritage Conservation Practice. He outlined the role of ICOMOS as an advocacy and technical body that bridges policy, research, and community-based conservation in the Philippine context.
An open forum followed the presentations, providing an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the speakers. Attendees raised valuable questions and shared their experiences from the field, enriching the discourse on localized application of competency-based heritage management practices.
To formally conclude the conference, NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo shared closing remarks, acknowledging the importance of collective and sustained action in elevating the standards of cultural heritage management in the country.
INTRAMUROS, MANILA — In a landmark step toward protecting the nation’s cultural heritage in the face of increasing climate and disaster risks, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines officially launched its local chapter of the International Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness (ICORP) on April 30, 2025. The hybrid event, held at the Honorary Consul of Georgia in Intramuros, Manila, convened stakeholders from the fields of heritage conservation, disaster risk reduction, climate action, and urban planning hosted by a Heritage Specialist, Mr. Ivan Man Dy.
ICORP, established in 1990, is one of ICOMOS’ core scientific committees, focusing on advancing global efforts to safeguard cultural heritage from natural and human-induced hazards. The Philippine chapter’s launch reinforces the country’s commitment to proactive, science-based, and community-driven approaches to disaster preparedness—particularly for its rich yet vulnerable built heritage.
In her Opening Remarks, Dr. Zeynep Gul Unal, President of ICOMOS-ICORP, warmly welcomed the new chapter and emphasized the power of regional and local collaboration in safeguarding heritage assets:
“It’s truly encouraging to see the establishment of the National Committee in the Philippines—this is a significant and welcome step. I warmly invite you to engage with us, share your knowledge, participate in joint training programs, and help ensure that our cultural heritage is protected for generations to come.”
Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, President of ICOMOS Philippines, delivered the Welcoming Address, outlining how the country’s recent experiences with disasters underscored the need for structured heritage risk governance:
“The devastation brought by Typhoon Odette in 2021 reignited our sense of urgency. It led us to launch Tabang Bohol, mobilizing structural engineers and a conservation architect to assess the damages on the ancestral houses and churches in Bohol.”
“The Abra earthquake the following year further highlighted the importance of preparedness. With support from UNESCO Jakarta, we began post-earthquake assessments in Vigan, which culminated in the Philippines’ first implementation of the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund in 2023.”
Dr. Fadriquela also spotlighted the organization’s climate-focused initiatives:
“Our 2023 collaboration with Preserving Legacies, supported by National Geographic and Manulife, evaluated the climate vulnerability of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras—an effort that aligns with the ICOMOS Scientific Plan on Cultural Heritage and Climate Action.”
The formation of ICORP-Philippines was formally introduced by Mr. Joselito “JJ” Corpus, the country’s voting member to ICORP, through his keynote address, Fragile Foundations: Protecting the Philippines’ Built Heritage in Times of Disaster. He called attention to critical gaps in heritage protection within current national frameworks:
“Despite the presence of Republic Act 10066 and DRRM laws, there is still no integrated national strategy that embeds heritage protection into disaster response systems.”
He underscored the chapter’s purpose with a clear vision:
“Our goal is simple yet urgent—a Handa at Ligtas na Pamana: a heritage that is ready and safe. Our ICORP logo represents this mission, inspired by indigenous scripts and our shared responsibility to preserve memory and identity.”
The launch event also featured timely and expert-led presentations that bridged cultural heritage and emergency response where Ms. Emily Dy Ramos, Emergency Preparedness Specialist from the NYC Emergency Management Department, shared frameworks on urban cultural risk management. Jefferson Chua, Climate and Energy Campaigner from Greenpeace Southeast Asia, presented Heritage Practice in a Changing Climate, examining the intersections of heritage, climate justice, and ecological sustainability. Philip Norbert Ahmad L. Medina, historian and heritage advocate, presented a Risk Assessment for Cavite Churches, offering a case study in community-based, localized heritage protection.
The event highlighted ongoing efforts from across the archipelago, as regional focal persons shared updates on hazards, risk mapping, and response efforts in their localities. Ar. Carmen Solis presented on behalf of Cebu and Bohol, Ar. Aris Go represented the Cordilleras, Ar. Giuseppe Alonzo reported on Northern Luzon, and Mr. Ruhullah Al-Hussieni Javier Alonto delivered insights from Northern Mindanao. Additional appointed regional representatives were also introduced, affirming ICOMOS Philippines’ commitment to decentralization and inclusive heritage resilience: Ar. Sy Valientes for Batanes, Ar. Michael Tabao for Cagayan Valley, Mr. Philip Medina for Calabarzon, and Ms. Kinna Kwan for Samar-Leyte.
Dean Ar./EnP. Sylvester Shaun D. Seño, National Chair of Green Architecture Advocacy and Vice President of the Philippine Architecture Schools Association, delivered the event’s resolution.
The event concluded with a symbolic cutting of ribbon and the opening of an exhibit featuring risk assessments and heritage documentation of churches in Cavite—representing transparency, renewal, and protection.
In his final message, Dr. Fadriquela said: “This formal launch of a national scientific committee is a milestone in the history of ICOMOS Philippines. Lahat ng ito ay para sa handa at ligtas na pamana—Halina’t ipaglaban natin ito. Halipa!”
Seoul, Republic of Korea – April 18, 2025 — In a significant gathering of heritage professionals from across the region, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) held its Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in Seoul from April 16 to 18, 2025. With the overarching theme, “Challenges and Collaborative Responses for Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region,” the event served as both a commemoration of the 60th anniversary of ICOMOS and a vital forum to confront the increasingly complex challenges facing cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.
The meeting brought together delegates from national committees, international organizations, cultural institutions, and academia to engage in knowledge sharing, collaborative planning, and policy dialogue. Against the backdrop of post-pandemic recovery and the intensifying impacts of climate change, the conference emphasized the urgency of creating sustainable, inclusive, and locally rooted approaches to safeguarding heritage across the region.
Representing ICOMOS Philippines were President Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, Past President Ms. Tina Paterno, and LAr. Gabriel Caballero. Their presence reinforced the Philippines’ active role in addressing climate-induced risks, promoting community-based heritage management, and advancing transdisciplinary research.
In his panel discussion on “Climate Change + Heritage,” Dr. Fadriquela gave a poignant account of personal and professional encounters with natural disasters in the Philippines. He described a harrowing flight through a super typhoon in Taiwan en route to the ICOMOS Annual General Assembly in Ouru Preto, Brazil, linking his experience to the broader reality of increasingly extreme weather patterns in the Philippines — where six typhoons struck within just two months in 2024, including three categorized as super typhoons. The province of Batanes, renowned for its stone vernacular architecture, was particularly hard-hit. Due to its designation as a protected area, traditional stone-quarrying practices have been banned, forcing communities to build with less resilient materials.
Dr. Fadriquela also outlined ICOMOS Philippines’ growing engagement in Disaster Risk Management (DRM). Following the devastation of Bohol by Typhoon Odette and the earthquake in Vigan in 2022, ICOMOS Philippines mobilized expert teams to assess damages and recommend preservation measures. These actions catalyzed broader institutional developments, including a UNESCO Jakarta grant for post-disaster assessment, participation in DRM training courses at Ritsumeikan University in Japan, and the formal creation of a National Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness (ICORP) — officially launching on April 30, 2025. During the Seoul meeting, Dr. Zeynep Unal, President of ICORP, Dr.. Teresa Patrício, President of ICOMOS, Dr. Takeyuki Okubo of ICCROM-ITC DMUCH, Dr. Kai Weise, Secretary General of ICORP, and Dr. Alex Yen, Vice President of ICORP extended their congratulatory messages for the said launch
Ms. Paterno contributed to the session on “Climate Change + Heritage,” where she presented the ongoing “Preserving Legacies” project. This initiative conducts vulnerability assessments on cultural sites affected by climate change, particularly focusing on the Ifugao Rice Terraces. A collaborative effort with local communities, the initiative combines traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methods to develop site-specific adaptation strategies. “By learning from the past and empowering local stewards, we can co-create solutions that are both resilient and respectful of cultural identity,” she noted.
LAr. Gabriel Caballero, ICOMOS Philippines’ Focal Point to the Sustainable Development Goals Working Group, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Developing an Approach for a Collaborative Definition of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in the Philippines.” He emphasized the importance of participatory frameworks in determining what is deemed “universal” about heritage, challenging top-down models of inscription and instead advocating for the voices of local and Indigenous communities.
Beyond technical presentations, the meeting served as a platform to strengthen regional collaboration among Asia-Pacific National Committees of ICOMOS. Sessions focused on Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), Disaster Management, Interpretation, and the development of comprehensive heritage management frameworks that are adaptive to climate, political, and socioeconomic changes. Delegates recognized the importance of transboundary cooperation, cross-disciplinary integration, and the institutionalization of Indigenous and community-based knowledge systems.
As countries in the Asia-Pacific region continue to grapple with urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate emergencies, ICOMOS Philippines reiterated its call for holistic approaches to heritage conservation — approaches that acknowledge vulnerability while embracing resilience and innovation. Through continued engagement with international networks and on-the-ground community partners, the organization aims to catalyze enduring impact.
ICOMOS Philippines proudly announces the appointment of its new Board of Trustees and Officers, ushering in a new era of leadership, expertise, and dynamic collaboration in the field of cultural heritage conservation. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to excellence will further strengthen the organization’s mission to safeguard the nation’s cultural legacy.
New Board of Trustee: Ar. Ramil Tibayan
Architect Ramil Tibayan joins the Board of Trustees, bringing a distinguished background in architectural heritage conservation and education. He currently serves as a lecturer at the College of Architecture of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), his alma mater where he earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and Master’s Degree in Cultural Heritage Studies.
Ramil previously headed the Cultural Properties Conservation Division of the Intramuros Administration, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, and worked with Design Coordinates, Incorporated in construction project management. He also taught at the Far Eastern University, Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts.
In 2009, he placed first in the Architecture Licensure Examination. His dedication to heritage conservation is further exemplified through his training with the Getty Conservation Institute and ThinkCity Malaysia, and by completing the Getty Conservation Institute’s Conserving Modern Architecture course in 2021.
Ramil currently serves as a Panel of Experts member for Architectural Heritage at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), an Expert Member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth-Century Modern Heritage, and now a Board Trustee of ICOMOS Philippines.
New Membership Officer: Dr. Jan-Michael Cayme
Dr. Jan-Michael Cayme has been appointed as the new Membership Officer. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Tartu, Estonia, specializing in the chemical analysis of heritage clay-based materials, including historic bricks, pottery, and lime mortars used in traditional structures.
His expertise supports evidence-based conservation strategies essential to preserving the material authenticity of cultural properties. Dr. Cayme is also an associate member of ICOFORT (ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Fortifications and Military Heritage), further enriching the scientific strength of ICOMOS Philippines.
Continuing Communication Officer: Joselito “JJ” Corpus
Taking on the role of Communication Officer is Mr. Joselito “JJ” Corpus, a leading figure in disaster-related heritage recovery. JH has developed methodologies for material recovery and collection treatment following major disasters, including the 2013 Bohol Earthquake, Typhoon Yolanda, and Typhoon Odette.
He previously served as Project Manager for the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund in the Historic City of Vigan and continues to lecture at the University of Northern Philippines on disaster risk management for cultural heritage. He also served as a technical advisor to Escuela Taller Foundation, Inc., after leading its satellite school in Maribojoc to train out-of-school youth in church restoration.
JH Corpus earned his undergraduate degrees in history and communications from the University of California, Berkeley, and pursued further studies at the Università degli Studi di Bologna (D.A.M.S.). He completed his graduate degree in Historic Preservation, with an emphasis on conservation science, at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He also participated in ICCROM-ITC’s Disaster Risk Management for Cultural Heritage Program at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.
JH’s contributions to media and education, including as a writer for the Philippine Star, continue to advance public understanding of heritage protection in vulnerable contexts.
New Climate Change and Heritage Working Group (CCHWG) Representative: Glyre Treasure Faeldonia
Mr. Glyre Treasure Faeldonia has been appointed the new National Coordinator and Representative of the Climate Change and Heritage Working Group (CCHWG). A sustainable development and urban policy researcher, Glyre focuses on climate action, urban mobility, and heritage conservation.
He holds an MSc in Global Development (Environment and Climate Change), graduating summa cum laude from the Global Development Institute at the University of Manchester. Glyre’s career is deeply rooted in youth-led and youth-focused initiatives, including leading research efforts with Keep the Change: Youth Policy Lab and the ASEAN Youth Organisation. His contributions have supported projects commissioned by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) on e-waste management and the Circular Economy.
Currently serving as Organizational Relationships Manager at Young Urbanists of Southeast Asia (YUSEA), Glyre fosters regional collaboration on sustainable urban development.
A proud member of the Subanon Indigenous Group of Zamboanga del Norte, Glyre emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems and community participation in heritage conservation. Having previously interned with ICOMOS Philippines, he now brings a multidimensional and inclusive approach to climate-responsive heritage safeguarding.
New Emerging Professionals Working Group (EPWG) Representative: Nina Carmela Ynion
Ms. Nina Carmela Ynion steps into the role of EPWG Representative. She is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), aiming to specialize in Cultural Heritage Law at the intersections of international law and property law.
Nina holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Humanities from UA&P, and she furthered her specialization in art conservation by completing a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Art Conservation at Studio Arts College International in Florence, Italy. There, she trained in the conservation of paintings on canvas and wood, later applying her expertise as an Assistant Art Conservator under Mrs. Missy Sanares-Reyes.
Currently on leave from the PhD program in Philippine Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Nina’s dissertation focuses on the technical art history of ecclesiastical art in Laguna. Her work underscores the urgent need to integrate legal frameworks into art preservation and cultural heritage conservation in the Philippines.
Continuing Sustainable Development Goals Working Group (SDGWG) Representative: Anjelika Orui
Ms. Anjelika Orui continues her dedicated leadership as the SDGWG Representative for ICOMOS Philippines. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Anjelika is an architect, public relations ambassador, and writer committed to integrating sustainable development principles into heritage conservation.
She holds a Master’s degree in Property Development from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, earned with Latin honors, from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. She has worked on architectural and conservation projects across Asia and Europe, including engagements with MVRDV, the Kobe City Government, and La Biennale di Venezia 2024.
Anjelika has been actively involved with ICOMOS Philippines since 2022, serving as Task Team Coordinator for the SDGWG and leading the localization of ICOMOS International’s Policy Guidance for Heritage and the SDGs. She also participated as a Research Associate for the UNESCO-funded project “Post-Earthquake Damage Assessment of Vernacular Buildings in the World Heritage City of Vigan” (PEDAVBV).
She remains an active member of ICOMOS Australia and the International Scientific Committee on Energy and Sustainability.
The appointment of these outstanding professionals marks an important milestone for ICOMOS Philippines. As the organization continues to advocate for the conservation of cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges, their collective leadership ensures that heritage protection remains a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable endeavor.
We warmly welcome our new Board Members and Officers and look forward to achieving greater milestones together!
