Metro Manila, Philippines — The International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines (ICOMOS PH) and the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH-BARMM) successfully held a strategic online meeting on July 2, 2025, marking a significant step toward deepening cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and across Mindanao.
The meeting featured presentations from both organizations, laying the groundwork for a future partnership grounded in shared values and a common vision for heritage preservation.
Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, President and Chairman of ICOMOS Philippines, opened the session by presenting the background, mission, and mandate of ICOMOS PH, underscoring the organization’s commitment to heritage conservation in alignment with global standards and UNESCO frameworks.
Following this, Mr. Joselito Corpus, Project Director of KABILIN: DRMCH and ICORP Philippines head gave an overview of the International Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness (ICORP). He was followed by Mr. Ruhollah Alonto, ICORP Regional Representative for BARMM and Mindanao, who shared insights on heritage preservation efforts in Lanao del Sur, highlighting local initiatives and the challenges faced in conflict-affected heritage areas.
From the BCPCH side, Dr. Salem Y. Lingasa, Chairperson of the Commission, briefly introduced the mandate of BCPCH, emphasizing its role in documenting, preserving, and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of the Bangsamoro people. This was followed by Ms. Alesa Krista Valensoy, Community Affairs Officer III, who provided a more detailed presentation on the structure and functions of BCPCH-BARMM, paving the way for possible institutional collaboration.
Other BCPCH staff in attendance included Mr. Glenn Francis Lanticse (Bangsamoro Curator), Ms. Esnaira Salem (Senior History Researcher), Ms. Juhara Dilangalen (Accountant III), Mr. Aaron-Jeff Usman (Community Affairs Officer V), and other dedicated members of the BCPCH team, who also actively participated in the discussion.
The meeting concluded with both organizations expressing their intent to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to be drafted by the end of the month. The MoU will outline areas of collaboration such as joint research, technical training, risk preparedness, and community-based heritage management.
This collaboration signals a strong beginning toward a meaningful and long-term partnership aimed at empowering heritage workers and institutions in the Bangsamoro region, with guidance and leadership from the ICORP Scientific Committee.
Dr. Lingasa likewise expressed BCPCH’s openness to joint projects and partnerships that would amplify the cultural identity and pride of the Bangsamoro people through inclusive, culturally sensitive, and professionally guided conservation practices.
This joint effort reflects a shared commitment to building resilient and inclusive approaches to heritage management in the region, aligned with national priorities and international standards.