Category: Uncategorized

Manila, Philippines — Building on the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)’s Petition to Declare the Pasig River as a National Cultural Treasure and the earlier Focus Group Discussion and Preliminary Stakeholders Meeting held on April 8, 2026, a Stakeholders Consultation was convened on May 25, 2026 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater Grand Ballroom, bringing together a broad spectrum of heritage advocates, local government representatives, academic institutions, business groups, conservation organizations, and cultural stakeholders.

Organized by ICOMOS Philippines and the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS), the consultation served as a key platform for advancing the discourse on the Pasig River’s declaration as a National Cultural Treasure (NCT), underscoring its role as a heritage corridor central to Philippine history, identity, and urban development.

In his opening remarks, ICOMOS Philippines President Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela emphasized the Pasig River as a vital cultural and historical landscape that shaped the growth of Manila and the nation. Describing it as the “builder of Manila,” he highlighted its historic function as a center of trade, movement, and community life. He stressed that while ongoing rehabilitation and development remain essential, equal priority must be given to recognizing the river’s cultural and heritage value as a living repository of memory, identity, and shared history.

One of the convenors, Atty. Mark Evidente then presented the research foundation of the petition, outlining the river’s historical, architectural, spiritual, cultural, and social significance. He underscored its connection to early Philippine history, including its association with the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, and its role in the development of early commerce in Manila. Framing the river as a multidimensional cultural landscape, he emphasized its intersections with urbanism, spirituality, transportation, commerce, and community life, and articulated four key arguments supporting its declaration as an NCT: its foundational role in national history, its influence on urban form and civic architecture, its cultural and social significance in shaping identity, and its outstanding cultural value warranting formal recognition.

A structured stakeholder feedback session followed, allowing participants to reflect on their personal and institutional connections to the river, raise concerns about the petition, and articulate hopes for its future. Common themes emerged across sectors, including improved public access to the river, biodiversity restoration, revival of water-based transportation, stronger heritage protection frameworks, and cautious scrutiny of infrastructure projects perceived to threaten the river’s ecological and cultural integrity.

Representatives from the Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corporation highlighted the Pasig River’s historic role as a transportation and logistics artery connecting key urban landmarks such as Jones Bridge and McArthur Bridge. They stressed that any restoration effort must go beyond heritage appreciation and include urgent attention to sanitation, sewage management, waste control, and human settlement issues, noting that improved water quality would directly enhance the quality of life for surrounding communities.

Discussions further emphasized ecological restoration, with stakeholders advocating for the reintroduction of mangroves, aquatic vegetation, and biodiversity-supportive interventions inspired by successful river rehabilitation models abroad. Participants noted that such efforts could contribute to flood mitigation, enhance public green spaces, and strengthen community engagement with the river. The dialogue also revisited the river’s historic role in connecting settlements such as Santa Ana, Manila and Taytay, with calls for improved and sustainable water-based transport systems to reduce congestion and restore navigability.

Maritime heritage was also highlighted through the intervention of Art Valdez, who discussed the Voyage of the Balangay initiative and its goal of reviving Filipino maritime consciousness. He emphasized that Philippine waterways once functioned as essential national highways for trade and mobility, and noted that despite modern navigational challenges, river journeys continue to demonstrate the Pasig River’s enduring cultural and historical relevance. Participants further suggested that direct river experiences for local leaders could deepen appreciation of its condition and potential.

The consultation also addressed governance and policy directions, with Atty. Evidente acknowledged the complexities of translating the petition into law. He emphasized the need for adequate resources, political will, and coordinated implementation across national and local governments, supported by zoning plans, ordinances, and context-specific heritage policies. He clarified common misconceptions about heritage conservation, noting that it does not imply rigid preservation but rather adaptive planning approaches such as heritage zoning, buffer zones, and integrated urban development strategies that allow local government units to define the river’s significance within their own contexts.

Further discussions explored heritage districts, archaeological potential, adaptive reuse, and urban identity, with participants identifying historical settlements, civic centers, churches, plazas, and institutional structures linked to the river. An archaeologist Mr. Arturo Joseph Tablan III from the Intramuros Administration underscored the importance of archaeological research in heritage interpretation, a point supported by Atty. Evidente, who noted that significant portions of Philippine riverine history remain underexplored and warrant systematic study.

Concerns over large-scale infrastructure proposals, including PAREX, were strongly raised, with stakeholders urging that any development affecting the river be evaluated not only for mobility outcomes but also for its ecological, hydrological, and heritage impacts, including effects on tributaries and esteros.

The consultation concluded with remarks from Ar. Giuseppe Luigi Abcede, HCS President who emphasized that Philippine history cannot be separated from the Pasig River. He stressed that the river is deeply intertwined with the nation’s art, culture, heritage practice, urban planning, and mobility, and underscored that the initiative to declare it a National Cultural Treasure represents a broader national effort to recognize and protect its enduring role in shaping Filipino identity and collective memory.

As the world marked the International Day for Monuments and Sites, the conversation around preserving the past took on renewed urgency. On April 18, 2026, ICOMOS Philippines ICORP brought together voices from across disciplines in a virtual forum titled “Global Trends, Local Action,” spotlighting the realities faced by heritage sites in an increasingly uncertain environment.

Behind every centuries-old church, ancestral home, or cultural landscape lies more than just stone and structure. It holds memory, identity, and continuity. This idea shaped much of the discussion, as experts emphasized that conservation must move beyond physical preservation. A key theme that emerged was the need for people-centered approaches, especially in post-disaster contexts where communities and heritage are deeply intertwined. Protecting heritage, speakers noted, also means supporting the people who give it life.

ICOMOS Philippines President Dr. Cheek Fadriquela emphasized the importance of collective action and shared responsibility, noting that the presence of participants from various sectors reflects a common commitment to heritage work rooted in collaboration and shared knowledge. He highlighted that heritage extends beyond monuments to include people, traditions, and communities, while drawing attention to increasing risks such as disasters and rapid development. He further stressed that in the Philippine context, there is a need to remain proactive, responsive, and innovative, grounding global insights in local realities.

The forum featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared both practical and technical insights. Emily D. Ramos discussed people-centered assessments, focusing on balancing humanitarian needs with heritage conservation in post-disaster scenarios. Ing. Ar. Ronald Allan Mabunga, Jr. examined the “invisible threat” of humidity and how managing it is key to addressing the slow deterioration of living heritage. Meanwhile, Engr. Mary Grace Lim Casuncad presented on the seismic vulnerability of heritage masonry churches, offering case study insights and methodological adaptations for the Philippine setting. Engr. Joaquin Miguel Ramos complemented this with a discussion on the characterization and seismic analysis of Roman monuments, providing comparative perspectives for structural conservation.

Yet not all threats arrive with force. Some, like humidity, work quietly in the background. Described during the forum as a “slow emergency,” prolonged exposure to moisture gradually weakens materials and places heritage structures at risk over time. In a tropical country like the Philippines, this challenge is both constant and often underestimated, prompting calls for more proactive and localized conservation strategies.

At the same time, the forum did not shy away from more immediate dangers. Discussions on seismic vulnerability highlighted the fragile condition of many heritage masonry churches in the country. By drawing comparisons with international case studies and sharing technical analyses, speakers underscored the importance of integrating scientific methods and structural assessment into conservation practices.

Organizers emphasized that while global frameworks continue to guide heritage work, solutions must be grounded in local realities. No single approach fits all, and effective conservation depends on collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and communities.

The successful conduct of the forum was made possible through the support and leadership of the ICORP Head, Mr. JH Corpus, whose efforts helped bring together experts and participants for this timely exchange. In the end, the forum served not just as a space for dialogue, but as a reminder that heritage protection is an ongoing responsibility. As risks evolve, so too must the ways we safeguard the stories and spaces that define who we are. – John Rainier Lopez

Manila, Philippines—April 8, 2026 —The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) convened a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and preliminary stakeholders’ meeting on April 8, 2026, at the Metropolitan Theater Music Hall as part of the ongoing process to declare the Pasig River a National Cultural Treasure.

The consultation brought together representatives from key government agencies and heritage organizations, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Coast Guard, various local government units (LGUs), and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

The FGD forms part of the NCCA’s multi-stage evaluation process, which began on November 4, 2025, following the submission of a verified petition. This process includes stakeholder consultations, public notice and comment, expert panel review, and final deliberation by the NCCA Board.

In presenting the rationale for the declaration, the NCCA emphasized the need to assess the Pasig River’s multifaceted significance—historical, cultural, ecological, and urban—while identifying strategies for its protection and sustainable management.

A key highlight of the discussion was the presentation of the petition by Atty. Mark Evidente who represented the two proponents of the declaration; ICOMOS Philippines and the Heritage Conservation Society. Framing the river as “a foundational element in the historical development of the Philippines,” Evidente underscored four core arguments: the Pasig River’s role in shaping early settlements, its influence on Manila’s urban and architectural form, its deep cultural and spiritual significance, and its outstanding value as a natural-cultural heritage corridor.

Tracing the river’s history from precolonial trade—evidenced by the Laguna Copper Plate Inscription and early settlements in Santa Ana—to the Spanish colonial period and the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, the presentation highlighted how the Pasig River served as a lifeline for commerce, governance, and cultural exchange. It also noted the river’s role in the evolution of iconic districts such as Intramuros and Binondo, as well as its presence in Philippine literature, art, and identity.

Stakeholders shared diverse perspectives on the river’s present-day use and potential. Local government representatives cited its importance for tourism, transport, and community activities, including ferry services and fluvial parades. The Philippine Coast Guard emphasized its navigational function, while urban planners discussed ongoing efforts to develop esplanades, docking stations, and integrated ferry systems connecting Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay.

Programs on river rehabilitation, flood control, waste management, and urban renewal were also presented, alongside proposals for floating parks, linear parks, and expanded public access. Cultural initiatives highlighted the role of the river in fostering community identity, artistic expression, and youth engagement.

During the valuation segment, participants examined the Pasig River’s historical, social, and architectural significance. Agencies such as the National Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) emphasized its enduring role in shaping the nation’s political, economic, and cultural landscape. Discussions also explored the river’s ecological history, intangible heritage, and its alignment with heritage structures such as bridges, churches, and civic spaces.

The session also addressed key considerations for protection and management, including legal classification under existing heritage laws, implementation of buffer zones, zoning regulations, and inter-agency coordination. Stakeholders underscored the need for a comprehensive and context-sensitive approach that recognizes both the natural and cultural dimensions of the river.

In closing, the NCCA reiterated that the FGD marks a critical step in the public consultation phase and signals the beginning of deeper engagement with stakeholders and the broader public.

“The Pasig River is not merely a backdrop to history—it is a living artery that connects our past and present,” Evidente emphasized. “Recognizing it as a National Cultural Treasure affirms its central role in shaping Filipino identity and urban life.”

Further consultations and public submissions are expected in the coming months as the declaration process progresses.

MANILA – In recognition of the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural hazards and the urgent need to safeguard its cultural heritage, the MAKAHNI 2026 International Conference for Heritage Conservation and Disaster Resilience convened heritage professionals, conservation practitioners, engineers, academics, and policymakers in a meaningful exchange of knowledge and expertise. Derived from the Ivatan word makahni, meaning “to be resilient” or “to become strong,” the conference underscored the collective responsibility to protect heritage structures from the increasing risks posed by disasters.

Hosted at the historic campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the conference was organized UST Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS – CCCPET) in partnership with the ICOMOS Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Japan Foundation Manila, bringing together national and international experts committed to advancing disaster risk reduction (DRR) in heritage conservation.

The conference formally commenced with welcome messages from distinguished institutional leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to heritage protection and resilience. Messages were delivered by Ar. Rodolfo P. Ventura, MSAAE, Dean of the UST College of Architecture; Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Executive Director and Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Mr. Ben Suzuki, Director of Japan Foundation Manila; and Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, President of ICOMOS Philippines.

These messages emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, institutional commitment, and capacity-building in ensuring that cultural heritage remains protected in the face of disasters.

This was followed by the presentation of the conference rationale and acknowledgement of participants by the Acting Directors of the UST Graduate School – Center for Cultural Heritage, Conservation and Preservation Engineering and Technology (USTGS-CCCPET), setting the tone for the conference’s objectives and expected outcomes.

The first module laid the groundwork for understanding disaster risks and their impact on built heritage. Engr. Dina D’Ayala, UNESCO Chair in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Engineering at University College London, introduced the ISCARSAH Scientific Committee and highlighted global frameworks for strengthening heritage resilience. Director Jose Harry M. Barber of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council presented the Philippines’ disaster profile, underscoring the country’s exposure to multiple hazards. Engr. Lessandro G. Garciano of De La Salle University discussed the effects of typhoons and floods, while Dr. Rhommel Grutas of PHIVOLCS examined earthquake and volcanic risks. Ms. Li Min of Ritsumeikan University emphasized preventive and strategic approaches to disaster risk management, and the session concluded with a historical overview of Philippine built heritage, focusing on its types, cultural significance, and conservation principles in disaster contexts. A plenary discussion followed, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and deepen the exchange of insights.

The succeeding modules focused on preparedness, response, recovery, and institutional integration. Experts including Ms. Aya Miyazaki of Tokyo University, Ar. Reynaldo Lita of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Ar. Caryn Paredes-Santillan of UST College of Architecture, and Mr. Toru Tateishi of The Museum of the Imperial Collections shared strategies on preventive conservation and disaster preparedness planning. Discussions then shifted to response and recovery, with Mr. Joseph Patrick Lee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts presenting inter-agency coordination during the 2025 Bogo Earthquake, Mr. JH Corpus of ICORP highlighting safety and salvage operations, and Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela detailing ICOMOS Philippines’ post-earthquake heritage assessments under UNESCO Jakarta’s Heritage Emergency Fund. The final module emphasized communication, community engagement, and institutional collaboration, featuring insights from Ms. Vanessa Marquez-Nicolas of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Ms. Kinna Mae Kwan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and Fr. Milan Ted D. Torralba. Each module concluded with plenary exchanges, and participants further engaged in thematic breakout sessions organized around disaster cycles and hazard types to develop focused, long-term resilience strategies.

The conference concluded with a closing message from Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, PhD, Dean of the UST Graduate School, who emphasized that, given the country’s vulnerability to various calamities, it is essential to take proactive measures to protect historical heritage sites that embody our national identity. He highlighted the importance of restoring and preserving these sites, congratulated the organizing committee, expressed gratitude to all participants, and encouraged the continuation of the work initiated over the two days of the conference.

Participants included experts and members of ICOMOS Philippines, whose presence reinforced the organization’s leadership in heritage conservation and disaster resilience. Notable attendees were Ar. Carmencita Solis, Ar. Giuseppe Luigi Abcede, Ar. Timothy Augustus Ong, Ing. Ar. Ronald Allan M. Mabunga Jr., Ar. Ramil Tibayan, Ar. Roy De Guzman, Ar. Julius Artates, Engr. Mary Grace Casuncad, Phillip Norbert Medina, Engr. Joaquin Ramos, Ar. Eunice Valerie Lim, and John Michael Cayme.

Part 1 of the conference, focusing on Strengthening Heritage Conservation Policy, Protocols, and Practices across the Disaster Cycle, was held at the UST College of Architecture AVR Beato Angelico Building from February 17–18, 2026. Part 2, the Technical Workshop on Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Assessment of Unreinforced Masonry Heritage Structures, took place on February 19–20, 2026, with day one at the same venue and day two at Betis Church in Guagua, Pampanga. The participation of these experts facilitated meaningful exchanges of knowledge and strengthened professional collaboration within the heritage conservation community.

MAKAHNI 2026 reaffirmed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, institutional preparedness, and community engagement in protecting cultural heritage. Through expert presentations, interactive discussions, and collaborative workshops, the conference strengthened the collective capacity of professionals and institutions to respond to disaster risks.

In the true spirit of makahni, the conference stands as a testament to the shared commitment of ensuring that cultural heritage remains resilient, safeguarded, and preserved for future generations.

Cebu – The International Committee for Risk Preparedness (ICORP) of ICOMOS Philippines, under the leadership of Mr. JH Corpus, Head of ICORP Philippines, conducted an onsite assessment and evaluation of heritage sites in Bantayan, Daanbantayan, and Bogo City, Cebu, that were severely affected by the recent earthquake. The initiative aims to assess the extent of structural damage, document the condition of these significant cultural landmarks, and recommend appropriate conservation and restoration measures.

Accompanying Mr. Corpus in the field were Ar. Carmen Solis, ICOMOS Philippines Cebu-based member; Abdulbasir Endong, Heritage Affairs Officer; and University of San Carlos–Talamban faculty members Engr. Joel Pagaratos and Engr. Monica Ann Louise Intong. Supporting the team remotely were Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, President of ICOMOS Philippines, along with Board of Trustees and ICOMOS PH members Engr. Joaquin Ramos, Engr. Mary Grace Casuncad, and Engr. Timothy Augustus Ong.

The assessment forms part of Tabang Cebu, a collaborative initiative that brings together heritage advocates, cultural workers, and partner institutions to provide technical support and capacity building for heritage conservation and disaster recovery. This collective effort not only focuses on rebuilding damaged structures but also on preserving the cultural identity and shared history that define Cebu’s communities.

This activity also marks the beginning of a long-term initiative by ICORP Philippines to establish a comprehensive Risk Preparedness and Conservation Management Plan for Cebu’s heritage assets. The data and insights gathered from the site assessments will serve as essential references for local government units, diocesan representatives, and heritage custodians in guiding restoration priorities and developing disaster-resilient conservation strategies.

Through Tabang Cebu, ICOMOS Philippines underscores the importance of proactive heritage management — promoting collaboration, preparedness, and community involvement. The initiative is envisioned to strengthen local capacity, raise public awareness on the value of preventive conservation, and ensure that heritage sites remain protected, resilient, and valued for generations to come.

Ultimately, Tabang Cebu symbolizes hope and unity — a collective commitment to heal, rebuild, and preserve not only Cebu’s historical landmarks but also the enduring spirit, identity, and resilience of its people.