Author: ICOMOS Philippines

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6th Annual Gawad Maestro Award Granted to ICOMOS Philippines

ICOMOS Philippines advocates for best heritage practices, and to realize this goal, ICOMOS Philippines offers lectures and seminars to up-skill any interested individual who desires to gain more knowledge about the many disciplines and skill sets that comprise and contribute to the field of heritage conservation. 

On September 21, 2023, ICOMOS Philippines won the 2023 Gawad Maestro Award as a Learning and Development Organization for the NGO category by the Philippine Society for Talent Development. Among the many initiatives, its Photogrammetry Field School was lauded by the said awarding body. The event was held in BNCC Hall, Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

Photogrammetry is one of the many advanced technologies that is used for one of the most essential steps in conservation, the documentation of a monument or structure. It is highly accurate and is able to capture and measure structures from photographs. Although it can be used with simple tools such as a smartphone, it can be labor-intensive and requires a mastery of how to use the technology. 

Knowing that this technology is fast becoming a standard practice and there was a lack of practitioners outside of Manila, ICOMOS Philippines offered the first photogrammetry program in the Philippines that was financially sustainable and inclusive of paying and subsidized trainees available across the Philippines.

After the completion of the field school, many participants felt empowered to be able to use the technology on their own. The post-evaluation revealed that 50% could document a room, and over 30% could document a building. 

Four students passed on their skills to their communities through their own training programs. Three of the former students have become so adept at this technology that they now specialize in photogrammetry and have formed a non-profit, Limang Siglo.  

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Philippine Society for Talent Development for recognizing ICOMOS Philippines as a Gawad Maestro awardee. We thank PTSD for celebrating this milestone with us for sending us this kind message: “Your organization’s journey serves as a shining example of what is possible when passion and talent are combIned with relentless determination. The contributions have not only advanced the Talent Development industry but have also inspired and paved the way for future generations in our field.”

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ICOMOS Participates in the Extended 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee

Annually, ICOMOS invites a global and multidisciplinary panel of heritage experts to assess each country’s nominations for World Heritage Sites. Among that panel was ICOMOS Philippines’ past president Tina Paterno, presenting via video the decision of the ICOMOS World Heritage Panel to inscribe Portugal’s Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone on the World Heritage List at the Extended 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee at the Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

One of the most important steps in inscription to the World Heritage Site list is the advice that ICOMOS gives to UNESCO. Each work in tandem to process tentative inscriptions from desk reviews, to physical site visits and, if merited, to the final announcement for inscription.

For more information about the ICOMOS Philippines, please contact: info@icomosphilippines.com

For information on ICOMOS Philippines please visit our website at: https://philippines.icomos.org/

#ICOMOS #ICOMOSPhilippines #ICOMOSInternational #UNESCO #World Heritage List

Photo credit: Dr. Teresa Patricio, President, ICOMOS International

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ICYMI: One of ICOMOS Philippines’s project is featured in today’s Philippine Daily Inquirer article

ICOMOS Philippines was tasked by UNESCO Multi-sectoral Regional Office in Jakarta, Indonesia to consolidate findings of several post-earthquake assessments into a situational analysis report on the damage to the Historic City of Vigan in the July 2022 earthquake. National agencies have prioritized several public structures while privately owned heritage houses have had no immediate access to support. Following the assessment, the UNESCO Jakarta’s Heritage Emergency Fund was one of the grants recommended by ICOMOS Philippines for the World Heritage site to apply. Though the fund is limited and cannot cover full restoration work, it is to be utilized to pursue technical scientific studies that can benefit and be applied to most of the ancestral houses, having a ripple effect. These studies will ensure that the majority of the damaged structures will be restored efficiently and be compliant to local and international standards.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Multi-sectoral Regional Office covers Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. ICOMOS is one of the advisory bodies to UNESCO in the conservation of World Heritage Sites. Please see the article today in the Philippine Daily Inquirer Lifestyle and Arts section.

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Technical Forum on Built Heritage and Fire Successfully Held

“Built Heritage and Fire: Technical Forum on Fire Protection, Investigation, and Restoration through Engineering” brought together experts, professionals, and stakeholders to address the specific challenges and complexities associated with fire-related incidents and recommended possible strategies for post-disaster restoration this past Friday, August 11, 2023. 

ICOMOS Philippines recognizes that this technical forum is a much-needed response to the devastating fire disaster at the Manila Central Post Office in Manila on May 22, 2023. Fire hazard awareness, policies, response, and restoration are important factors in the protection of our heritage structures and sites across the Philippines. Response and coordination to fire disasters is critical at all levels of government and for all stakeholders, and we know that this forum has enlightened our fellow heritage site advocates and stewards to the importance of this topic. 

Some of the onsite participants of the Technical Forum together with the organizers and speakers.

ICOMOS Philippines thanks our partner, Bakás Pilipinas, and organizers the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP), the Institution of Specialist Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ISSEP), the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for the forum which attracted over 1,000 attendees.

Rodolfo Mendoza Jr., ASEP Secretary (left 1st row), Cheek Fadriquela, ICOMOS Philippines President, Ivan Henares, UNACOM Secretary General and NCCA Commissioner for Cultural Heritage, Rene Escalante, former NCCA Chairman, Tristan Beriña, IIEE Member, Carlos Villaraza, former ASEP President (right 1st row). Giuseppe Abcede, HCS President (left 2nd row), JH Corpus, ICOMOS Philippines Communications Officer, Patrick Lee, NCCA CPPRD Chief, Philippine Post Office Officers (right 2nd row)

To our speakers Christopher Marrion, Erik Akpendonu, Rodolfo P. Mendoza, Jr, Carlos M. Villaraza, Tristan G. Beriña, and Stephen Kelley, we extend our gratitude to your invaluable expertise and time. Thank you Johit Rigyasu for your contributions to Christopher Marrion’s presentation.

To watch the recently concluded Forum kindly check NCCA’s Facebook page ➡️

Part 1 (8 hours): http://bitly.ws/S4Ee

Part 2 (1 hour): http://bitly.ws/S4Ei

Please consider membership with ICOMOS Philippines to get involved in the advocacy of disaster risk reduction management: info@icomosphilippines.com.

#ICOMOS #ICOMOSPH #HeritageProfessionals #InAction #TechnicalForum #BuiltHeritageAndFIRE

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ICOMOS Philippines Foundation Day

Did you miss this?

On August 8, 1988, ICOMOS Philippines was organized by Regalado Trota José. It was the first international non-profit cultural heritage organization to have been formed in the Philippines to conserve and protect places of significance in the Philippines. Within the first twelve years, ICOMOS Philippines founding members were pivotal in the inscription to the World Heritage List: the serial sites of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines (1993), the Ifugao Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (1995), and the Historic City of Vigan (1999). These listed sites catapulted the Philippines onto the world heritage stage.

ICOMOS Philippines has been instrumental in working with various local and international institutions and organizations by strengthening dialogues between heritage professionals through our network of National Committees, International Scientific Committees and Working Groups and via Capacity Building Programs and international webinars with renowned partners.

Let’s celebrate this momentous occasion by looking back at our 35 years of history!

Please consider donating to ICOMOS Philippines or apply for membership at: http://bitly.ws/RyhB to further our mission and vision to elevate heritage protection and conservation towards international standards in harmony with our local context. Let’s protect and promote our diverse cultural heritage together.

For more information on ICOMOS Philippines ➡️ https://philippines.icomos.org/

#ICOMOS#ICOMOSPh#Happy35thAnniversary#CoralAnniversary

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ICOMOS Philippines partners with ASEP, ISSEP, NCCA and Bakás Pilipinas on a Technical Forum on Built Heritage and Fire

ICOMOS Philippines in cooperation with the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP), the Institution of Specialist Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ISSEP), the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Bakás Pilipinas, bring international and country-based experts for a hybrid Technical Forum on “Built Heritage and FIRE: Fire protection, Investigation, and Restoration through Engineering”.

The event will be held from 8:00 AM, Manila Time on August 11, 2023, Friday at the Metropolitan Theater of Manila (The MET) simultaneously streamed via online Zoom Conferencing Platform.

This forum intends to bring experts, professionals, and stakeholders to address the specific challenges and complexities associated with the Manila Post Office fire and fire-related incidents to built heritage, and develop possible strategies for its restoration. This also extends to addressing the concerns of fire risk management and restoration of cultural heritage in the country.

The Topics and Speakers are as follows:

Protecting our Cultural Heritage from Fire: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities to Effectively Manage Fire by Christopher Marrion PE, FSFPE, MScFPE, President of Marrion Fire & Risk Consulting PE, LLC, and President of the International Committee on Risk Preparedness

Opportunities to Manage Fire Risk Through Traditional Knowledge and Community Engagement by Rohit Jigyasu, ICORP Vice President and UNESCO Chair on Cultural Heritage Management and Risk Management

Structural Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Fire-Damaged Structures by Stephen Kelley, SJK Preservation Architect/Engineer, ISCARSAH Past President

Burning for Heritage: Fire Threats to Built Heritage in Manila by Erik Akpedonu, Ateneo De Manila University, and ICOMOS Philippines Former Treasurer

Fire-Induced Effects on Concrete Material and Structure by Dr. Rodolfo P. Mendoza Jr., D.ENG, M.ASEP, ASEP Secretary

The Overall Approach to Assessing a Fire-Damaged Structure: Philippine Case Studies by Engr. Carlos M. Villaraza, F.ASEP, ASEP Past President

Electrical Safety Audit on Historic Buildings by Engr. Tristan G. Beriña, REE, Member, Electrical Safety Committee, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines

To participate via Zoom kindly register in this REGISTRATION LINK or use the QR code above.

For more information on ICOMOS Philippines ➡️ https://philippines.icomos.org/

#ICOMOS #ICOMOSPH #HeritageProfessionals #InAction #TechnicalForum #BuiltHeritageAndFIRE

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ICOMOS Philippines Elected New Board of Trustees and Officers

Manila, Philippines – ICOMOS Philippines recently concluded their Annual General Assembly on July 15, 2023, 3:00 PM (GMT+8) in a hybrid setup using the Zoom Conferencing Platform and held onsite at the Plaza Santiago Bldg., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. 

The main agenda of the Annual Membership Meeting were the presentation of the End of Term Reports of outgoing Trustees and Officers, and the Election of the New Board of Trustees. 

Outgoing President Maria Cristina Paterno presents her final term report for 2022 – 2023

In accordance with the provisions of the current by – laws of the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines, Inc. (ICOMOS PH) and in coherence with the Statutes, Rules of Procedure and Ethical principles of ICOMOS International,  the ICOMOS PH Membership, with a quorum of 55 present out of 81 members at its official General Assembly, elected its new Board of Trustees and Executive Officers for 2023 – 2026 (3-year term).

The ICOMOS Philippines onsite attendees pose for a group photo together with the Membership who attended via Zoom Platform.

For the term of 2023 – 2026, the following are the new Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Officers (EOs) as elected during the first Executive Meeting of the new BoT held last July 17, 2023:

  • Chairman / President: Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela
  • Vice President: Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua
  • Corporate Secretary: Ms. Lilia Rosa “Tats” Rejante-Manahan
  • Treasurer: Ar. Harvey A. Vasquez
  • Board Trustee and Spokesperson: Ar. Michael “Mico” F. Manalo

In the same meeting, the new BoT selected and appointed the new Committee Officers and National Representatives / Coordinators for the same 3-year term:

  • Communications Officer: Mr. JH Corpus
  • Membership Officer: Ar. Giuseppe “Gio” Luigi Hernandez Abcede
  • Legal Counsel: Atty. Kathleen “Kate” Felise Constance D. Tantuico
  • 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)

New 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 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: 

Board of Trustees and the Secretariat

Committee Officers and National Representatives

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List of Candidates to the Board of ICOMOS Philippines 2023-2026

In accordance with the ICOMOS Philippines By-laws, the 2023 General Assembly to be held on July 15, 2023 will elect 5 members of the Board of Trustees for a term of three years (2023-2026). The Board of Trustees will elect among themselves the Chairperson / President, Vice President, Corporate Secretary, Treasurer General, and a Board Trustee, a total of 5 seats.

Below is the final list of candidates for the election of members to the 2023-2026 ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees . To view the candidates’ bio and their prepared 3-year action plan, kindly click on the links in each candidate’s name.

Cheek Fadriquela

Kenneth Tua

Harvey Vasquez

Michael Manalo

Liliane Manahan

Eric Zerrudo

Erik Akpedonu

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Call for Candidature – ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees (2023-2026)

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in the Philippines was originally established on August 8, 1988, accredited by the ICOMOS International Secretariat. The President was Regalado Trota Jose, with Ramon Faustman as Vice President, Milagros Jamir as Treasurer, Fr. Rene Javellana, S.J., as Secretary and Rache Cuna as Membership Officer. The organization was established anew in 2010 as a non-profit corporation, with founding trustees Augusto Villalon, Michael Manalo, Jocelyn Mananghaya, Lucille Karen Malilong and Melvin Patawaran. The Philippine National Committee of ICOMOS International is subject to Philippine law as well as ICOMOS International Statutes and Rules. In particular, it has adopted the Ethical Principles for ICOMOS Members (adopted at the 18th General Assembly, 12 November 2014)

In accordance with the ICOMOS Philippines By-laws, the 2023 General Assembly will elect the Board of Trustees for a term of three years (2023-2026). The Board of Trustees will elect among themselves the Chairman / President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Functions and Powers of the Board of Trustees (in by-laws)

The Board of Trustees shall have general charge of the property, business, and affairs of the Organization with the power to manage, direct and supervise the same under its collective responsibility as provided in the By-Laws and the Policies and Procedure. Trustees shall:

  1. Appoint or elect all officers, employees and other administrative officers of the Organization as may be designated, except junior officers and minor employees; to define their duties and to discipline or remove them.
  2. Purchase or otherwise acquire for the Organization rights and privileges of properties, and to manage, conserve and invest the funds of the Organization.
  3. Approve the annual budget of the Organization.
  4. Delegate from time to time any of the powers of the Board which can lawfully be delegated to any standing or special committee or to any agent or officers and to appoint any person or persons to act as agents of the Organization with such powers and upon such terms as it may deem fit.

Additional Scope of Work of the Board of Trustees (as defined by current board)

Members of the ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees donate time and expertise to the Organization and they are part of a working board. As such, Trustees are expected to do the following tasks:

  1. Donate a minimum of 20 hours a month of their time to the organization. Each trustee must take charge of one of the following for the duration of their tenure: staff management; fundraising; or 1 project per year with support of the Secretariat or Membership.
  2. Assist the President in the cultivation of donors, partners, supporters, collaborators, allies, and other stakeholders.
  3. Ensure the organization’s activities are compliant and in furtherance of its mission in compliance with international parent organization and local mission / vision.
  4. Engage in the creation of long and short-term goals with the Board.
  5. Respond to email within 48 hours for items for Board approval, as and when required.
  6. Craft policies to further a sustainable organization.

Requirements for Candidates

Application Procedure:

Interested parties should submit the following:

  1. Updated CV 
  2. letter of intent 
  3. proposed action plan for the next 3 years 
  4. short bio 
  5. a formal photo (for internal and public announcements)

Send to the ICOMOS Philippines’ Secretariat at info@icomosphilippines.com with the email title: “Trustee Application 2023 – Last Name” by 03 July 2023.

Candidates’ information (application requirements) will be made available to the membership through the ICOMOS Philippines members only Facebook group and via email. The list of candidates and their respective platforms will also be posted in the ICOMOS Philippines official website.

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Arch. Harvey Vasquez is Newly Appointed Representative of ICOMOS Philippines to the National Committee on Monuments and Sites

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines has appointed Ar. Harvey Vasquez as the new Ex-Officio Representative to the National Committee on Monuments and Sites (NCMS) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The NCMS is one of the subcommittees under the Subcommission on Cultural Heritage of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The NCMS has a mandate to assist the NCCA in conserving built heritage and its environments through policy and program creation, and decision-making pertaining to cultural monuments and sites. ICOMOS Philippines has been providing technical advice to NCCA through its seat at the NCMS. 

Arch. Harvey joined the oathtaking of NCMS ExeCon members for 2023-2025 last April 28, 2023. He is joined by other newly appointed members coming from different sectors  and disciplines including architecture, archaeology, cultural landscapes, structural engineering, and heritage preservation advocacy.

Arch. Vasquez is a permanent faculty at the Architecture Program of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. He is the OIC-Associate Dean of the Environment Studies Cluster of the School of Design and Arts. He was also voted as Director of the NCR Sector of the Council of Deans and Heads of Architectural Schools in the Philippines (CODHASP) for the Luzon Super-region. He finished his master’s degree in Architecture from the University of the Philippines major in Architectural Heritage Conservation. He is a practicing licensed architect for sixteen years and co-founded Kalamaam Design Studio which, aside from commercial and private projects, is engaged in heritage conservation. The studio is currently doing restoration work on the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat – San Beda Church in Mendiola. He has been appointed the Heritage Conservation Consultant of the PNR South Long Haul Project of China Railway Design Corporation. 

Arch. Vasquez is an active cultural worker and a member of ICOMOS Philippines. He is participating in the organization’s subcommittee of Sustainable Development Goals Working Group (SDGWG). He is also the representative to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)’s Stakeholders’ Chamber on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Philippines.

With his active participation in the past few years as a practitioner in heritage conservation, the recent appointment as the NCMS ex-officio representative for ICOMOS Philippines was a natural progression for Arch. Vasquez.

ICOMOS Philippines expresses its profound gratitude to Arch. Vasquez for having accepted this appointment and is extending its full support to his undertakings and responsibility as part of the NCMS.