July 11, 2026 | Manila Metropolitan Theater, Philippines — Organizers in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana moved with quiet precision, guiding participants into the hall. Attendees came bearing narratives of achievements and possibilities, each one a thread in the tapestry of Philippine heritage, some representing universities, others local governments, and many carrying the stories of their communities. Online, faces appeared on Zoom screens from distant cities and provinces. This was not just a meeting. It was a gathering of stewards of memory, people who believe heritage is a living force that shapes identity and resilience.
The assembly opened with a welcome to members, guests, and the outgoing Board of Trustees: Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, Ms. Caroline Marie Lising, Ms. Liliane Rosa Rejante-Manahan, Ar. Harvey Vasquez, and Ar. Ramil Tibayan. Quorum was confirmed, the minutes of the previous meeting approved, and technical reminders shared. Yet beyond the formalities, there was a sense of urgency. Heritage is fragile, and its guardians know this well.
Dr. Cheek Fadriquela’s President’s Report reflected on the organization’s journey from 2023 to 2026. He spoke of accomplishments: disaster risk management trainings, active participation in international dialogues that placed the Philippines on the global heritage map, publications and research that deepened conservation knowledge, and strengthened compliance with statutes that ensured credibility. His words carried the weight of collective effort. Members listened intently, others simply nodding, their faces showing pride in what had been achieved.
The Corporate Secretary’s Report, delivered by Ms. Liliane Rosa “Tats” Rejante-Manahan, focused on organizational updates and compliance, ensuring that ICOMOS Philippines remained aligned with international standards. The Treasurer’s Report was represented by Mr. Abdulbasir Endong on behalf of Ar. Harvey Vasquez, who was unable to attend. Endong presented financial updates, underscoring transparency and sustainability in resource management.
In his own Strategic Communications report, Endong highlighted the organization’s growing presence online. He spoke of social media engagements, of posts that reached thousands, of conversations sparked in digital spaces. His words painted a picture of heritage advocacy thriving in the virtual world. Meanwhile, Ar. Ramil Tibayan’s Membership Relations report focused on how ICOMOS engaged with its membership through outreach, collaborations, and active participation. He also presented the current status of membership, emphasizing that the strength of the organization lies in the strength of its members.
The assembly then turned to the Board of Trustees candidates. Each spoke not only of projects but of visions. Ar. Carmencita Solis described Tabang Cebu, her voice steady as she spoke of community-based conservation. Ar. Timothy Augustus Ong presented the Sanchez Mira, Cagayan Project, weaving together architecture and digital humanities. Ms. Beverly Bautista introduced the Samar Sentinel Project, her words carrying the urgency of community engagement. Mr. Phillip Norbert Ahmad Medina shared his Stakeholders’ Imperative on Heritage Conservation, reminding everyone of the importance of grassroots involvement. Ar. Giuseppe Luigi Abcede championed the Pasig River as National Cultural Treasure, his passion evident as he spoke of heritage in the heart of the city. Finally, Ar. Ramil Tibayan outlined his Heritage Consultancy Works Program, drawing from years of experience in conservation. Each presentation was more than a proposal. It was a call to action, urging communities to see heritage as a living, breathing part of daily life.
The spotlight then turned to the Kabilin Partnership Program, an initiative of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and ICOMOS Philippines. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of mobilizing heritage as a driver of sustainable development and resilience. Among the featured initiatives were Dr. Laya Bouqiren-Gonzales’ safeguarding of the Santo Niño devotion, Joselito Corpus’ disaster risk management training, and Lar. Gabriel Victor Caballero’s mobilization of heritage for sustainable development. As each speaker presented, the hall seemed to lean in, listening closely. These projects showed how heritage is not only a cultural anchor but also a catalyst for empowerment, sustainability, and hope.
As the day progressed, anticipation built toward the announcement of the newly elected Board of Trustees for 2026–2029. When the results were revealed, the hall erupted in applause. The new officers are: President Ar. Ramil Tibayan, Vice President Ms. Beverly Bautista, Corporate Secretary Ar. Timothy Augustus Ong, Treasurer Mr. Phillip Norbert Ahmad Medina, and Spokesperson Ar. Giuseppe Luigi H. Abcede. Their election signaled continuity and renewal, blending experience with fresh perspectives to guide ICOMOS Philippines into the next three years. Faces lit up with smiles, some clapping enthusiastically, others quietly reflecting on the responsibility that lay ahead.
It ended with pride etched on faces and hopes rising for the future of heritage conservation in the Philippines. Behind the smiles lay the weight of responsibility. Heritage is fragile, and its guardians know this well. Yet in every report, project, and election result, ICOMOS Philippines reaffirmed its commitment: heritage is not a relic of the past but a living force shaping the nation’s future.
Like the living memories of the past, the story of this assembly was not about titles or procedures. It was about people — the organizers who kept the program flowing, the members who traveled far to be present, the candidates who spoke with conviction, and the leaders who reflected on years of service. Together, they carried a shared promise: to keep memory alive.
