Category: ICOMOS Talks

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ICOMOS Philippines Open Forum Series

Being a member of ICOMOS means the opportunity to access a network of heritage professionals, and local and international members-only events.  

The Open Forum Series was created with these benefits in mind: Open Forum Talks allow members to present their work for member peer review in an open yet professional setting, thereby leveraging the wisdom of the ICOMOS membership.

August 18, 2021, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. 

Kevin Florentin

Moderator: Kara Garilao

Reactors: Dr. Eric Zerrudo, Atty. Kay Malilong

“Cultural Mapping in Context: Towards Rehumanizing Smart Cities for Sustainable Development”. 

Abstract: 

Twenty years ago, Kashiwanoha was a golf course and a horse breeding ground before that. Today, it is home to 3,000 households within just a 1km radius retrofitted with smart city technology that seeks to improve their quality of life on four fronts –energy, mobility, public space, and health. Cultural mapping was implemented, a first in the world for a smart city, to identify tangible and intangible characteristics of identity of its infant community. He presents the specifics of how cultural mapping was implemented, and seeks membership opinion on how we can understand heritage in such a context. When is something considered heritage? If it is new, is it ascribed by the community, to a place, or tradition? Considering that technology has inherent obsolescence, should it be remembered for its tangibles or its intangibles?

Associate member Kevin Florentin presented his research on 

March 2, 2022 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM,  progress report made with his research since his initial open forum in August of 2021. For the second session, Dr. Fernando Zialcita and ICOMOS Treasurer Erik Akpedonu attended as reactors for Kevin’s presentation.

Kevin Florentin is a Ph.D. candidate with the University of Tokyo Graduate Program in Sustainability Science Global Leadership Initiative. He currently holds a joint diploma degree in Sustainability Science with the University of Tokyo and the United Nations University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines. His current research interest is in understanding human aspects of the smart city. In addition, he has worked closely with ICOMOS Philippines and Intramuros Administration in pioneering pre-disaster recovery planning for heritage in Intramuros.

18th of September 2021  2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Leandro Poco

Moderated by: Erik Akpedonu

Reactors: Guiller Asido, Paulo Alcazaren and Fernando Zialcita 

“ENCLAVE URBANISM: 1.0 – A historical and configurational assessment of Spanish Manila’s Intramuros and its surrounding Spatial Fabric”.

Abstract:

The global privatization of the built environment into enclaves is seen as a contemporary theme leading to today’s range of socio-spatial disparities. Present-day Metro Manila is hollowed-out, with a long-blighted historical core. Most economic activity has moved to the enclaves composed of business districts and gated villages outside of Manila. This study investigates the historical roots of this enclave urbanism using spatial network analysis methodologies of space syntax theory. 

This study uncovers the underlying structures beneath the order imposed by the Spanish on Manila. These include the center of political control – the civic plaza and urban grid within the walls of Intramuros; outside of Intramuros, the mission church plazas centering local populations around the Bajo de la Campana, serving as the base of Reducciones labour control; the unintended consequences of the Spanish defensive posture, and marginalization of the Sangley Chinese trader population; and the underlying importance of the Pasig River and its network of waterways in the commercial spatial network of Spanish Manila. 

This study calls the critical attention of Philippine planning as it moves forward with repeating similar patterns of enclave urbanism in its push to urbanize and develop, whilst presenting a new evidence-based approach for local urbanism scholarship.

Leandro Poco completed his MSc Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities degree at University College London’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. He previously completed his MA in Urban Design at the National University of Singapore in 2008. He is a Philippine registered Architect and Environmental Planner with over 15 years of combined Planning and Architectural practice experience in both Manila and Singapore. He is a Partner with Leonardo A. Poco & Associates, Architects, and has a keen interest in Metro Manila’s historical urbanism. He believes that evidence-based planning and design are key in improving Metro Manila’s dystopia and addressing her residents’ discontents.

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PEOPLE, PLACE AND CULTURE SHAPING THE ARCHITECTURE: Cases of Nepal and the Philippines

In celebration of the International Day for Monuments and Sites, ICOMOS Philippines and ICOMOS Nepal collaborate on a talk that explores how climate change affects each country’s vernacular heritage. As vernacular heritage is a product of local climate, topography, culture and locally available materials in the past, how will future climate hazards – changing temperatures, rainfall patterns, winds, drought, flash floods, wildfire, storm, landslide, etc., have a larger impact on the site?

Two cases from each country shall present how the place of origin, climatic condition and the culture of the people living in the area has shaped their architecture. The speakers discuss how the vulnerabilities might manifest (rising damp, changing landscapes, loss of roofing, for example), how sites have adapted to keep resilient, and what other interventions we should be planning for today to secure sites for the imminence of climate change.The talk will take place on Monday, April 18, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rdOCupjMvH9xxMOoBKIRGDfJI8v-iHQmk

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PAMANANG PASIG: A Heritage Impact Assessment of the PAREX

In September 2021, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) signed the Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (STOA) for the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX), a 19.37-kilometer six-lane, all elevated expressway over the Pasig River as a solution to Manila’s traffic problems.

The Pasig river, and the many  historic buildings along its banks are our heritage. The PAREX sacrifices our river heritage for benefits that are still unproven, and with impacts that are still unsubstantiated.

Pamanang Pasig  is a heritage impact assessment forum on the Pasig River and heritage buildings along its banks.   Experts  discuss the historical, aesthetic and social significance of the river  and the impact the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) will have on these values. Experts will also discuss the Impact on traffic,  disaster risk management,  health, ecology, and society.  Global examples of freeways constructed over or along riverbanks,  now being torn down for more sustainable and people-centered alternatives, will be presented.  

The goal of this forum series is to enable a broader perspective on the PAREX. By  providing multidisciplinary and data-driven discussions by experts, we hope to invite more conversations and provide more facts for people to decide if this benefits our city.

Here is a statement that ICOMOS Philippines co-authored:

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/fb8zf4ym

Hosted by: ICOMOS Philippines

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/icomosph

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[REGISTRATION] EnHerit 2021: August 7 & 14

The approach, philosophy, and set of design principles for the structural engineering of existing and historic buildings is different from those in conventional structural engineering. The work requires an understanding of original construction systems, the cause and mechanism of failure or safety, and if over the course of decades and centuries the building has settled into a new load path. For this work, research, conditions assessment, and non-destructive testing and modeling are essential. Methods, materials, and designs will be discussed with the perspective of weathering mechanically or chemically well over time, and ensuring longevity of the historic or existing structure. .

Register at: https://forms.gle/QDYATf26nuMnQeW16

Organized by: The Association of Structural Engineers in the Philippines, ICOMOS Philippines, Bakas Pilipinas, Inc., and the De La Salle University GCOE Department of Civil Engineering

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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.

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2nd ICOMOS Philippines Student Symposium

We believe there is good student research out there that should be shared. ICOMOS has culled through abstracts and presents the most relevant and innovative among them, followed by a discussion among its expert members in those fields.


[Schedule for the 2nd ICOMOS Philippines Student Symposium]

Check out our lineup for #IPSS2021!

Day 1, 28 May 2021 (Friday)

OPENING SESSION: Heritage Makers, Change Makers
Keynote Address by Dr. Felipe de Leon Jr., NCCA National Music Committee Chair

SESSION 1: The doing of built heritage conservation: Methods and approach
Paper presentations by Vangie Cheryl Ulila, Tiffany Bello & Shayna Mari Tria

Day 2, 29 May 2021 (Saturday)

SESSION 2: Heritage Values: Intangible meanings, tangible effects
Paper presentations by Jose Medriano III, Mary Marguerette Cruz, Louie Ann Valeriano & Jezreel R. Nugas

SESSION 3: Adaptive Reuse: Old buildings, new uses
Paper presentations by Ira Ben Tobis, Jazel Lynn Ong & Gellaine Marie Burgos

This is a free event. Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/IPSS2021 to register now!

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Diverse Pasts, Complex Futures – ICOMOS Day 2021 (April 18, 10:30am GMT+8)

In celebration of ICOMOS Day 2021, themed ??????? ?????, ??????? ???????, the Philippine National Committee hosts a talk that explores the creation, selection, and preservation of heritage through the kalesa study and the jeepney. 

Urban historian ??. ??????? ????? discusses the evolution of the carruaje in pre-War Manila. In the last century, it was perceived as a relic from an “unmodern” past that must give way to newer, safer transportation forms. Today it survives primarily for tourists who seek a nostalgic experience, or perhaps an incomplete interpretation/presentation of the Walled City and other historic districts. 

What lessons on heritage declaration and preservation might one draw by studying the case of the kalesa and the jeepney, currently absent from the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property? What insights might be applied to contemporary vernacular architecture, especially those of lower-income Filipinos? What role do heritage managers and cultural workers play in identifying what should be preserved and ensuring that cultural properties, especially those heavily used and meaningful to marginalized communities, endure into the future? 

These questions and more will be explored by Dr. Pante and guest discussants ???? ??? ?????????? and ?????? ?????? moderated by ???? ???????. 

  • The webinar will be held via Zoom on 18 April, Sunday at 10:30 AM Hong Kong SAR, MNL time 
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PHILIPPINE LANDSCAPE HERITAGE EDUCATION

ICOMOS Philippines’ intern Kenneth Tua will present his research on Philippine Landscape Heritage Education. This is his final presentation for the Internship Programme.

Philippine Landscape Heritage Education 16 October 2020 (Friday) | 8:00 PM Philippine Standard Time

SPEAKER

“Philippine Landscape Heritage Education: Review of the preparedness of Landscape Architecture curricula in the Philippines for the specialization of Landscape Heritage Conservation (LHC)”

Mr. Kenneth J. Tua is a registered & licensed architect and a sustainable territorial development consultant. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas and have acquired professional certifications as a scholar in Sustainability, Sustainable Development, and Innovation programmes from YSISEA in Singapore, APYE in Thailand and Social Innovation Center, Hanyang University, South Korea. He previously worked for the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines – Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) where he handled the research of the proposed Manila Esplanade Lighting Project and low impact development projects. Currently, he is a graduate scholar of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in DYnamics of Cultural Landscape, heritage, Memory and conflictualities (DYCLAM+).

DETAILS

“Philippine Landscape Heritage Education”, is schedule this Friday, October 16, 2020, 8:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time)

To register, you may fill up this form: bit.ly/mot201016guest

The talk is for ICOMOS PH members and invited colleagues.

For interested students or new graduates who would like to take internship with the organization visit: bit.ly/icomosphinternship.

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PROJECT ALEXANDRIA: A baseline study of the government practice and spending on heritage in the Philippines

ICOMOS Philippines’ past and current interns will present respective research. Dr. Victor Venida from the Ateneo de Manila University will be the discussant for this event.

Project Alexandria 28 September 2020 (Monday) | 6:00 PM Philippine Standard Time

CONTRIBUTORS

“Summary of Conservation Projects in the Philippines: The National Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines”

Ms. Patricia Cecille Monica H. Panganiban is graduated with an Erasmus Mundus Masters in Archaeological Sciences from the University of Evora in Portugal, where she specialized in the study of pigments from Ancient Egpytian funerary masks and sarcophagi. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University. She is currently working with the Nayong Pilipino Foundation on the development of the Nayong Pilipino Virtual Museum.

Ms. Ma. Louisen Manuel Roxas is a graduate of BS Human Ecology major in Human Settlements Planning from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, and she is currently pursuing her masters in Urban & Regional Planning at UP Diliman. Currently, she is working as the Training Manager of Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), an internal NGO focused on humanitarian action & community development through open mapping. 

“Diagnostic Report of The Philippine Registry of Cultural Properties (PRECUP)”

Ms. Carissa Veloso is the current ICOMOS Philippines Secretariat. Before joining ICOMOS Philippines, she was the Business Development Manager for San Sebastian Basilica Conservation, a non-profit restoration foundation based in Manila (2015-2019). She was also the representative of the Philippines for UNESCO’s young professionals program for the 42nd World Heritage Committee Session. She holds a BS Management degree with minors in Cultural Heritage and Entrepreneurship from Ateneo de Manila University.

Ms. Chanelle Custorio is both a registered and licensed chemical engineer and architect. She is an alumni of UP Diliman, worked in the restoration of San Sebastian Basilica, and is now a co-partner for the architecture firm Hiraya Design Studio. She has also attended courses on Management and Monitoring of World Heritage Sites by ICCROM as well as on Conservation of Japanese Textiles by TNRICP.

Mr. Isaiah Cabañero is a graduate of Community Development at the University of the Philippines – Diliman, working with communities and volunteer organizations which gained him experience in community organizing and people-centered participatory project development. He is currently working hand-in-hand with local coffee farming ati communities in Iloilo.

Ms. Ruby Descalzo is a recent graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Cultural Heritage Studies. She previously served as the President of Baybayin Ateneo, a Filipino cultural student organization. She is currently under the mentorship of Claudia Montero, and will be working with Dr. John Peterson as part of her internship.

Mr. Gio Abcede is a graduating BS Architecture student from De La Salle University, College of Saint Benilde. He has worked with One/Zero Design Co. on the Maestranza Creative Quarters project and collaborated with Digiscript Philippines Inc. with mapping presentations for the Intramuros Cultural Management Plan. He is also a core member and graphic designer for the Heritage Conservation Society. He is currently working closely with the Architecture Committee of ICOMOS Philippines, under the tutelage of Dominic Galicia.

DISCUSSANT

Dr. Victor Venida, ICOMOS Philippines member, completed his M.Sc. in economics at the London School of Economics and a PhD in economics at New York University. He completed a specialist course in International Economics, Trade and Finance at the Instituto Nacional de Administracion Publica at Alcala de Henares, Spain. Currently e is a Professor with the Department of Economics and a Lecturer with the European Studies Program, Development Studies Program and the Law School of Ateneo de Manila University.

DETAILS

“Project Alexandria ”,  is scheduled this Monday, September 28, 2020, 6:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time).

To register, you may fill up this form:  bit.ly/projalexandriaguest

The talk is for ICOMOS PH members and invited colleagues.

For interested students or new graduates who would like to take internship with the organization visit: bit.ly/icomosphinternship.