ICOMOS Philippines’ 2024 General Assembly at the GSIS Museum

Pasay, Philippines – ICOMOS Philippines held its annual General Assembly [GA] on 13th July 2024 at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Museo ng Sining. Every year in July, the Executive Officers, Committees and Officers, and ICOMOS Philippines membership gather to review the current and previous year’s activities, understand the organization’s operational, organizational, and financial health, and vote on institutional proposals for the coming year and beyond.

2024 General Assembly ICOMOS Philippines at Government Service Insurance System Museum

With a quorum of 64, the GA was called to order followed by the President’s Report by Dr. Cheek Fadriquela who spoke about major themes that drove activities throughout the past year. continuity, celebration, commitment, and compliance.  Together, these concepts speak of a thriving organization that continues to grow each year. Some of these activities that engage members are:  voting on issues and electing its Board of Trustee members, pursuing organizational compliance with government agencies, celebrating milestones and achievements, offering its members and the general public a chance to attend webinars, lectures, and capacity building workshops, and, most importantly, engaging its members to participate as volunteers for ICOMOS initiatives. 

President and Chairman Dr. Cheek Fadriquela opens the Meeting with a Call to Order

Vice President Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, delivered the Vice President’s Report, focusing on operational aspects internally and externally. Major themes from the presentation were the streamlining of decisions and approvals by the Board of Trustees [BOT] due to regularized bi-monthly meetings, membership and stakeholder involvement which reached 63% participation, 15% higher than the previous year, visibility as an organization through medial alliances, social media reach and in print which doubled the frequency of impressions, and development of stronger ties with the national government cultural agencies.

Two major projects were at the center of the reporting. First, the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund [HEF] project in the Philippines which was also presented by Ar. Tua. the Country Project Director. The first of its kind in the country to aid in the recovery of a World Heritage Site, the Historic CIty of Vigan. At two selected pilot houses, the scope was to enhance technical standards for the conservation of heritage houses and structures by various technical disciplines who performed investigations, testing, shared observations, and recommended conservation interventions.

Immediate Past President Maria Christina Paterno presented as Project Director the milestones of the second major project of the previous fiscal year, Preserving Legacies Initiative [PLI]. She worked closely with ICOMOS Philippines member and COO of the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMo) Marlon Martin who led the onsite focus group discussion. The exercise of assessment through focus discussion groups revealed the negative impacts of climate change on Ifugao livelihoods and traditions.

More reports were shared by the BOT. Treasurer Ar. Harvey Vasquez pointed to the 66% growth of the asset base from 2023-2024 with a reduction of liabilities by 39%. A large part of the revenue was due to donations and grants [HEF], and expenditures were mainly project-related. Corporate Secretary Ms. Liliane “Tats” Rejante Manahan in her report informed the organization’s up-to-date compliance and related to the requirements to file with the SEC every year, to submit quarterly and annual financial reports with the BIR, and maintain Barangay Business Clearance and Mayor’s Permits.

Committee Officers also gave updates to the membership.  Membership Officer Ar. Giuseppe “Gio” Luigi H. Abcede showed membership growth year after a year and shared the impacts of membership calls, the involvement with the International Scientific Committees [ISCs], and the different Working Groups [WG]. John Ray Ramos, the Secretariat and Heritage Affairs Officer [HAO], shared his involvement with the administration of the ICOMOS Philippines office and membership. Communications Officer Joselito “JJ” H. Corpus shared metrics on the organization’s visibility and public outreach on various social media platforms, its growth over the past year, and the impact of contributing articles to national broadsheets.

Works of WG over the past year were presented by HAO Ramos . Ar. Claudia Isabelle V. Montero, EPWG National Representative, showcased her work involving collaboration with emerging professionals, signing MOUs with three Universities (DLSU, ADMU & FEU), and mentoring interns on impact-driven activities and initiatives. Kristine Kate A. Lim, CCHWG National Representative related long-term plans by the CCHWG with culture as the driver in the face of climate change. Ar. Anjelika A. Orui, SDGWG National Representative informed the membership the WG’s consistent involvement with NEDA to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and the addition of four ICOMOS members based in Cebu for an upcoming project.

President Cheek Fadriquela discusses the Major Themes of Last Year’s Activities

Institutional initiatives were presented and voted upon at the last part of the program. The Policy for the Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage (DRMCH) which will form a funded committee on DRMCH that will respond to disruption, hazard, and loss on Philippine’s cultural heritage anchored on the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness [ICORP]  was adapted by the membership. Guidelines for the Institutional Membership did not garner enough votes to be passed and accordingly, it shall then be subject for further review of the membership.

Onsite Attendees of the 2024 ICOMOS Philippines General Assembly
On and off-site members gather for a group photo after the 2024 ICOMOS Philippines General Assembly

The 2024 General Assembly signifies the continued commitment of ICOMOS Philippines to discuss and promote the conservation, protection, use, and enhancement of cultural heritage sites. The assembly serves as a platform for members to exchange knowledge, share best practices, develop and adopt policies, and set the direction for future initiatives in heritage conservation.

(EPWG: Emerging Professionals Working Group, SDGWG: Sustainable Development Goals Working Group, CCHWG: Climate Change and Heritage Working Group. All National Representatives are also Coordinators)

Board of Trustees and the Secretariat

Committee Officers and National Representatives

Call for Candidature – ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees (2020-2023)

In accordance with the ICOMOS Philippines By-laws, the 2020 General Assembly will elect the Board of Trustees for a term of three years (2020-2023). The Board of Trustees will elect among themselves the Chairman / President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Information Session, held last 30 October 2020, provided more information on proposed policies, procedures, and by-laws amendments which further elaborated the scopes and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees.

Functions and Powers of the Board of Trustees

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:

  • 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.
  • Purchase or otherwise acquire for the Organization rights and privileges of properties, and to manage, conserve, and invest the funds of the Organization
  • Approve the annual budget of the Organization
  • 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 (based on the Policies and Procedure 2020)

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 10-20 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
  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 organizations and local mission / vision
  4. Engage in the creation of long and short-term goals with the President
  5. Assist in review of financial statement
  6. Respond to email within 48 hours for items for Board approval, as and when required.

Application Procedure:

Interested parties should submit their letter of intent and (1) curriculum vitae, (2) letter of intent, and (3) proposed agenda for the next 3 years to the ICOMOS Philippines Secretariat at info@icomosphilippines.com with the email title “Trustees Application 2020 – Last Name” by 15 November 2020.

For more information on the position and how to apply, please read the information below.

ICOMOS Philippines General Assembly 2016

Continuing a tradition that started last year, ICOMOS Philippines held its first meeting of the year at this icon of modern Philippine architecture, the home of the late National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio, at 2650 Zamora Street, Pasay City.

The first meeting and general assembly of 2016 (February 6, Saturday) was energetic and productive, with Bojer Capati doing a presentation about heritage fortifications.

The meeting was fueled by the delicious brunch prepared by Malu Antonio Veloso (third from right in photo), champion and protector of her father’s architectural legacy.

Dominic Galicia is newly-elected President of ICOMOS Philippines

Architect Dominic Q. Galicia was elected President of ICOMOS Philippines by the Board of Trustees at elections held last Saturday. He is Principal Architect of  Dominic Galicia Architects, a design-oriented practice whose work has been recognized for its sensitive attention to both concept and detail.

Galicia obtained his professional degree in architecture in 1988 from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, where he was a Notre Dame Scholar.  He received a University of Notre Dame Distinguished Asian Pacific Alumni Award in June 2005.  He also studied architecture for a year at Notre Dame’s campus in Rome, and pursued graduate studies in architecture at Pratt Institute in New York.

Although a modernist by philosophy, he is deeply concerned with the preservation of historic architectural sites. He has served as Vice President of the Heritage Conservation Society, member of the Executive Council of the National Committee on Monuments and Sites (NCMS) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and on the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI). He represents the Philippines in the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth-century Heritage (ISC20C), in which capacity he helped to develop “BPO@Escolta,” the public-private initiative to revive Manila’s historic downtown. Ongoing projects include the proposed 20,000 square meter National Museum of Natural History, in Rizal Park, Manila.

Also elected were Architect Rene Luis S. Mata (Vice President for National Affairs), Architect Ma. Joycelyn B. Mananghaya (Vice President for International Affairs), Patricia Maria C. Santiago (Secretary), and Architect Melvin G. Patawaran (Treasurer).

ICOMOS Philippines Participation at the 16th ICOMOS General Assembly

The 16th General Assembly of ICOMOS took place in Québec City from September 28 to October 4, 2008, a triennial event attended by members of ICOMOS National Committees throughout the world. The Philippines was represented by Augusto Villalón, President of ICOMOS National Committee Philippines and Expert Member of the International Scientific Committee for Vernacular Architecture (CIAV). The second delegation member was Ivan Anthony Henares who was the Philippine representative to the International Forum of Young Researchers and Professionals in Cultural Heritage, an Expert Member of the International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC), and a voting delegate to the General Assembly.

Villalon represented ICOMOS Philippines at the Advisory Committee Meeting on September 28 that was attended by all National Committee Presidents. Issues discussed were the strengthening of National Committees and revitalization of dormant ones, formation of new National Committees. Also the relationship of ICOMOS to the World Heritage Committee as its primary cultural heritage advisory body was discussed.

At the September 29 Annual Meeting of the International Scientific Committee on Vernacular Architecture (CIAV) Augusto Villalón was elected Vice-President. CIAV members thanked the Philippine Committee for organizing the 2007 Annual CIAV Meeting in Banaue, Ifugao Province, and further pledged their support for conservation activities in the rice terraces undertaken by both the Government of Ifugao and Save the Terraces Movement (SITMo).

During the General Assembly held on September 30, Villalón was elected Chairman of the Candidature Committee charged with verifying documentation for each candidate standing for election to office during the 2008-2011 triennium. Resolutions were read and passed during the General assembly, notably Resolution No. 14 proposed by Ivan Anthony Henares (Philippines), and Cliff Ogleby (Australia) on the institutionalization of youth participation is all future ICOMOS activities.

During the Forum on October 2-3, Villalón presented a well-received paper “Is Spirit of Place Enough?” which was a case study and status report on the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, currently on the World Heritage In Danger List.

The Québec City Declaration on the Preservation of the Spirit of Place was adopted by the Assembly on 04 October.

Resolution No. 14 – Institutionalization of Youth Participation
Proponents: Cliff Ocleby (ICOMOS Australia) & Ivan Anthony S. Henares (ICOMOS Philippines)

Considering :
– the necessity of encouraging and supporting the involvement of young researchers and professionals in the field of heritage in ICOMOS
– the success of the First International Forum of Young Researchers and Professionals in Cultural Heritage held in Quebec, Canada from September 27 to 28, 2008

The 16th General Assembly of ICOMOS, meeting in Quebec, Canada, in October 2008, resolves that .
– ICOMOS and its committees must pursue efforts to welcome and encourage the involvement of a greater number of young researchers and professionals;
– ICOMOS will continue the initiative of organizing the International Forum of Young Researchers and Professionals in Cultural Heritage;
– The involvement of young researchers and professionals should be integrated in the issues, goals and actions discussed by the Executive Committee, the Consultative Committee and the General Assembly;
– The international scientific committees will inform young professionals, especially participants of the Forum, of their activities via the ICOMOS Secretariat;
– The national committees will take the necessary proactive measures to welcome and involve a greater number of young researchers and professionals, and assure them a sufficient representation.