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!
On August 12, 2024, the closing ceremony for the year-long heritage recovery project in Vigan was held at Tadena Hall, University of Northern Philippines. This event marked the culmination of a significant collaborative effort between the expert conservation teams, stakeholders of Vigan, the local government, local cultural institutions, tradespersons, contractors, technicians, and most especially the local homeowners, which was initiated in response to the devastating Northwestern Luzon Earthquake of 2022. The project, funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), aimed to enhance the technical standards for the conservation and protection of Vigan’s historic structures, particularly its vernacular ancestral homes.
One of the project’s key achievements was the capacity-building initiative for local contractors, tradespersons, and technicians. Through a series of lectures and workshops, participants were familiarized with traditional construction materials and techniques, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity in conservation interventions. This effort was crucial, especially given the reliance on modern construction techniques that are often incompatible with Vigan’s historic structures.
The project also highlighted the importance of community involvement and partnership. ICOMOS Philippines successfully campaigned for the project as an act of positive, communal participation, attracting generous donations and in-kind contributions that also led this project to attain another major accomplishment. For the allocation of $105,500 or ₱ 5,802,500 by the UNESCO and HEF donors, this amount was matched by private in-kind contributors who donated pro-bono services amounting to $111,433 or ₱ 6,128,814. The in-kind contributions gave the project a greater impact towards the recovery of Vigan.
The success of the project is not just a milestone in heritage conservation but a foundation for future efforts to conserve and protect the cultural heritage of Vigan and beyond. A forward-looking vision for greater resilience that captures the essence of what this project has achieved and what it aspires to accomplish in the future.
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.
Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales stirred the discussion with onsite participants. She moderated the open forum of the panel taking in questions from the diverse audience composed of other cultural workers and local heritage advocates.
ICOMOS Philippines led a panel discussion at the 2024 National Conference on Local History and Heritage (NCLHH) last August 29, 2024, in the Ayala Museum, Makati City. The panel with the title Heritage Conservation Practices in the Philippines was chaired and moderated by Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, PhD, and was composed of Ms. Maria Cristina Paterno, Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, and LAr. Gabriel Caballero.
Ms. Maria Cristina P. Paterno, Immediate Past President of ICOMOS Philippines and Projects Manager of Preserving Legacies presented “Climate Vulnerability Assessment of the Ifugao Rice Terraces: Preserving Legacies, A Future for Our Past.” She shared the findings and experience of the recently published study that looked into the values of the terraces for the local communities and how these values, rooted in Indigenous knowledge, are impacted by climate change, as well as contribute to strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity as they try to preserve and protect their cultural heritage by integrating modern climate science.
Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, Vice President of ICOMOS Philippines and Country Director of the UNESCO-Heritage Emergency Fund project for the Historic City of Vigan presented “Saluad-Tawid: Conserving and Protecting Heritage Houses and Structures in the Historic City of Vigan After the 2022 Earthquake.” The recently concluded project provided valuable lessons for disaster risk management for cultural heritage and working in a multi-stakeholder environment.
LAr. Gabriel Victor A. Caballero, Focal Point for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ICOMOS International presented “Pamana 2030: Local Case Profiles on Philippine Heritage and Sustainable Development Goals.” He presented selected efforts by the ICOMOS Sustainable Development Goals Working Group (SDGWG) to document heritage initiatives that intersect with SDGs.
Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, PhD, gave a short presentation about the upcoming initiative to document and safeguard the heritage of the devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebú in partnership with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), one of the three landmark projects under the ‘Kabilin Partnership’ with ICOMOS Philippines.
Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales stirred the discussion with onsite participants. She moderated the open forum of the panel taking in questions from the diverse audience composed of other cultural workers and local heritage advocates.
We in ICOMOS Philippines express our sincere gratitude and congratulations to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the organizers of the conference for the opportunity to share our work and on-ground experience towards a respected heritage profession in the country, and Philippine heritage that is conserved to the highest standards. We look forward to taking part again in the next NCLHH Conference.
Manila, Philippines – ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees appointed a new Board Member and Legal Counsel last August 1, 2024 on its 11th Board Meeting of the year.
We happily welcome you and look forward to working with you in Philippine heritage that is celebrated and conserved through the highest standards.
Board Trustee Hon. Caroline Marie Q. Lising is a university lecturer, archaeologist, licensed interior designer, visual artist, and entrepreneur. She is also the Honorary Consul of Georgia in Manila and Luzon. As an archaeologist, she specializes in cultural heritage management of materials and sites of deep history. She obtained her PhD in Prehistoric Archaeology (Magna cum laude) from the Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany.
She created Crania Heritage Sciences, Inc in 2015 as a venue to deliver programs and events related to collaborative science-based heritage management. Mylene is president of Plaza Management, Inc. which manages Plaza Santiago, a courtyard and buildings across Fort Santiago–the most popular tourist, cultural, historical, and archaeological site within Intramuros, the historical walled city of Manila.
Legal Counsel Atty. Lucille Karen E. Malilong-Isberto is a lawyer with advocacies in forest and cultural heritage preservation. She holds degrees in law and economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
She headed the Committee on Monuments and Sites at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) from 2014 to 2016. She was Chairperson and later Executive Director of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (2019-2021), a government owned and controlled corporation mandated to conduct research on humanities and social sciences. She is currently a Vice President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Legal, Administrative and Financial Issues.
For the remaining term of 2024 – 2026, the following are the current Board of Trustees (BoT), Executive Officers (EOs) and Officers, Representatives and Coordinators (ORCs) as of August 19, 2024:
Chairman / President: Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, PhD
Vice President: Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua
Corporate Secretary: Ms. Lilia Rosa “Tats” Rejante-Manahan
Treasurer: Ar. Harvey A. Vasquez
Board Trustee and Spokesperson: Dr. Caroline “Mylene” Marie Quinto-Lising, PhD
Legal Counsel: Atty. Lucille “Kay” Karen E. Malilong-Isberto
Communications Officer: Mr. Joselito “JJ” H. Corpus
Membership Officer: Ar. Giuseppe “Gio” Luigi Hernandez Abcede
EPWG National Representative: Ar. Claudia Isabelle V. Montero
SDGWG National Representative: Ar. Anjelika A. Orui
CCHWG National Representative: Ms. Kristine Kate A. Lim
(EPWG: Emerging Professionals Working Group, SDGWG: Sustainable Development Goals Working Group, CCHWG: Climate Change and Heritage Working Group. All National Representatives are also Coordinators)
Current Board of Trustees, Officers and National Representatives
The ICOMOS Philippines Membership is pleased to have them in the National Committee and looks forward to their valuable contribution towards the continuation of an excellent and fruitful three-year term.
Know more about the people behind the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines in the links below:
Built in 1912, the Girls’ Dormitory is the first school building of the Mission of St. Mary the Virgin in Sagada. It played an essential role in the education of the children of the Cordilleras as it served as the first school building in the area from 1912 until 1951. An example of American-Philippine Colonial architectural style, the structure is currently unoccupied and under rehabilitation.
A product of collaboration between ICOMOS Philippines and the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, the Conservation Assessment of the Mission Compound Girls Dormitory by ICOMOS Philippines member Ar. Aris Go of Ninety Design Studio is a detailed example of doing proper conservation assessment which analyzes multiple facets of the heritage structure including architectural, material, and structural condition, and provides sound recommendations drawn from data.
Pasay, Philippines – ICOMOS Philippines held its annual General Assembly [GA] on 13th July 2024 at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Museo ng Sining. Every year in July, the Executive Officers, Committees and Officers, and ICOMOS Philippines membership gather to review the current and previous year’s activities, understand the organization’s operational, organizational, and financial health, and vote on institutional proposals for the coming year and beyond.
2024 General Assembly ICOMOS Philippines at Government Service Insurance System Museum
With a quorum of 64, the GA was called to order followed by the President’s Report by Dr. Cheek Fadriquela who spoke about major themes that drove activities throughout the past year. continuity, celebration, commitment, and compliance. Together, these concepts speak of a thriving organization that continues to grow each year. Some of these activities that engage members are: voting on issues and electing its Board of Trustee members, pursuing organizational compliance with government agencies, celebrating milestones and achievements, offering its members and the general public a chance to attend webinars, lectures, and capacity building workshops, and, most importantly, engaging its members to participate as volunteers for ICOMOS initiatives.
President and Chairman Dr. Cheek Fadriquela opens the Meeting with a Call to Order
Vice President Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, delivered the Vice President’s Report, focusing on operational aspects internally and externally. Major themes from the presentation were the streamlining of decisions and approvals by the Board of Trustees [BOT] due to regularized bi-monthly meetings, membership and stakeholder involvement which reached 63% participation, 15% higher than the previous year, visibility as an organization through medial alliances, social media reach and in print which doubled the frequency of impressions, and development of stronger ties with the national government cultural agencies.
Two major projects were at the center of the reporting. First, the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund [HEF] project in the Philippines which was also presented by Ar. Tua. the Country Project Director. The first of its kind in the country to aid in the recovery of a World Heritage Site, the Historic CIty of Vigan. At two selected pilot houses, the scope was to enhance technical standards for the conservation of heritage houses and structures by various technical disciplines who performed investigations, testing, shared observations, and recommended conservation interventions.
Immediate Past President Maria Christina Paterno presented as Project Director the milestones of the second major project of the previous fiscal year, Preserving Legacies Initiative [PLI]. She worked closely with ICOMOS Philippines member and COO of the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMo) Marlon Martin who led the onsite focus group discussion. The exercise of assessment through focus discussion groups revealed the negative impacts of climate change on Ifugao livelihoods and traditions.
More reports were shared by the BOT. Treasurer Ar. Harvey Vasquez pointed to the 66% growth of the asset base from 2023-2024 with a reduction of liabilities by 39%. A large part of the revenue was due to donations and grants [HEF], and expenditures were mainly project-related. Corporate Secretary Ms. Liliane “Tats” Rejante Manahan in her report informed the organization’s up-to-date compliance and related to the requirements to file with the SEC every year, to submit quarterly and annual financial reports with the BIR, and maintain Barangay Business Clearance and Mayor’s Permits.
Committee Officers also gave updates to the membership. Membership Officer Ar. Giuseppe “Gio” Luigi H. Abcede showed membership growth year after a year and shared the impacts of membership calls, the involvement with the International Scientific Committees [ISCs], and the different Working Groups [WG]. John Ray Ramos, the Secretariat and Heritage Affairs Officer [HAO], shared his involvement with the administration of the ICOMOS Philippines office and membership. Communications Officer Joselito “JJ” H. Corpus shared metrics on the organization’s visibility and public outreach on various social media platforms, its growth over the past year, and the impact of contributing articles to national broadsheets.
Works of WG over the past year were presented by HAO Ramos . Ar. Claudia Isabelle V. Montero, EPWG National Representative, showcased her work involving collaboration with emerging professionals, signing MOUs with three Universities (DLSU, ADMU & FEU), and mentoring interns on impact-driven activities and initiatives. Kristine Kate A. Lim, CCHWG National Representative related long-term plans by the CCHWG with culture as the driver in the face of climate change. Ar. Anjelika A. Orui, SDGWG National Representative informed the membership the WG’s consistent involvement with NEDA to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and the addition of four ICOMOS members based in Cebu for an upcoming project.
President Cheek Fadriquela discusses the Major Themes of Last Year’s Activities
Institutional initiatives were presented and voted upon at the last part of the program. The Policy for the Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage (DRMCH) which will form a funded committee on DRMCH that will respond to disruption, hazard, and loss on Philippine’s cultural heritage anchored on the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness [ICORP] was adapted by the membership. Guidelines for the Institutional Membership did not garner enough votes to be passed and accordingly, it shall then be subject for further review of the membership.
Onsite Attendees of the 2024 ICOMOS Philippines General AssemblyOn and off-site members gather for a group photo after the 2024 ICOMOS Philippines General Assembly
The 2024 General Assembly signifies the continued commitment of ICOMOS Philippines to discuss and promote the conservation, protection, use, and enhancement of cultural heritage sites. The assembly serves as a platform for members to exchange knowledge, share best practices, develop and adopt policies, and set the direction for future initiatives in heritage conservation.
(EPWG: Emerging Professionals Working Group, SDGWG: Sustainable Development Goals Working Group, CCHWG: Climate Change and Heritage Working Group. All National Representatives are also Coordinators)
