The Board Welcomes Victor ‘Bobing’ Venida as the New Vice President of ICOMOS Philippines

Dr. Victor S. Venida is a retired Professor of Economics and lecturer of the Development Studies Program and the European Studies Programme of Ateneo de Manila University. He finished his M.Sc. in Economics at London School of Economics and his Ph.D. in Economics at New York University. His research interests are in development economics, urban and regional analysis, cultural/architectural heritage, Marxian economics and history of economics.

Quoted from ICOMOS Philippines By-Laws: In the case of vacancy due to resignation, death or any other cause of the trustees, except removal or expiration of the term, the Board is empowered and authorized to designate from among the members of the Association (ICOMOS Philippines) in good Standing, a trustee or trustees who shall serve only for the unexpired term of the trustee being replaced.

Tawir Talks: Webinar on Heritage and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs)

Tawir Talks with Youth for Pangasinan Heritage (Y4PH)

Title of Activity: Tawir Talks: Webinar on Heritage and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs)

Date: June 12, 2021 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Online (via Zoom)

Description:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

One of the most important aspects that must be focused on in order to achieve sustainable development is heritage. In the recent years, it has been recognized that heritage and their conservation could positively impact local communities –an effective driver for economic and social development, and an important site for inclusivity and empowerment.

The Youth for Pangasinan Heritage (Y4PH), a youth-led volunteer organization which aims to raise awareness on and elicit appreciation of culture, arts, history, and heritage among Pangasinan youth, will conduct an activity that could open a platform for a discussion on cultural heritage and development. Y4PH recognizes the crucial role of the youth, being the community’s cultural bearers and transmitters, in the eventual achievement of the SDGs. In this regard, Y4PH will conduct a webinar on “Heritage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Particularly, the webinar aims to accomplish the following objectives:

1) To situate and present the relationship between heritage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

2) To identify and present prospects for initiatives anchored on heritage conservation and SDGs in the Philippines; and

3) To inspire the youth to actively contribute to the achievement of the SDGs

Resource Persons:

LArch’t. Gabriel Caballero, Focal Point for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of ICOMOS International, gave a talk on “Heritage and the Sustainable Development Goals: Policy Guidance for Heritage and Development Actos”. His talk consists of: 1) Introduction of ICOMOS International and its contribution to global causes, 2) Basic principles of Heritage and Sustainable Development, 3) Inclusion of Cultural Heritage in the Agenda 2030: Target 11.4, and 4) Mobilization for integrating Heritage in the UN Decade of Action through the International Policy Guidance and the SDGsWG.

Arch’t. Kenneth Tua, Philippine Policy Guidance Manager / Coordinator, gave a talk on “Cultural Heritage and the Sustainable Development Goals: Prospects for the Philippines”. His talk consists of: 1) Introduction of National Sustainable Development Goals Working Group Philippines, 2) Efforts of ICOMOS Philippines in achieving Sustainable Development from 2013 – 2021, and 3) Prospects for initiatives anchored in Heritage Conservation and the SDGs in the Philippines through localizing the Policy Guidance.

Internship Testimonial – Marga De Lemos (Comms and Strategy Track)

I was an ICOMOS Philippines Communications and Strategy intern from March 2021 to June 2021. As a Consular and Diplomatic Affairs student, most of my works were related to policymaking. Working with ICOMOS Philippines as a Communications track intern has helped solidify my passion and advocacy for all things heritage, culture, and history.

My two primary tasks were: 1) Communications and Strategy work support, including but not limited to social media management. I did the primary strategy support for the International Day for Monuments and Sites 2021 (IDMS) and the 2nd ICOMOS Philippines Student Symposium (IPSS). I also produced the collaterals for IDMS 2021 and edited the bio notes for the IPSS speakers 2) Copyediting organizational outputs, specifically the official ICOMOS Philippines website. 

Although I was not part of the research track, I was also assigned to research international heritage initiatives. In my research, I learned that young professionals and the like have been proactive in cultural works and simply need a better and suitable platform to deepen their contributions further. Hence, organizations such as ICOMOS are ever more significant in ensuring that we may continue to enjoy sustainable heritage. 

Two years on, as I pursue a law degree, I’ll continue promoting and advocating for heritage and culture in my sphere of influence. With the help of my experience as an ICOMOS Philippines intern, I’ll be able to effectively convey the proper cultural conservation and preservation issues that we must address.