ICOMOS Philippines – ICOMOS Philippines

July 31, 2026July 31, 2026

𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧: 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

Participants and organizers gather at The Kabilin Center in Barangay Tinago, Cebu City, on July 30, 2026, for the launch and opening ceremony of the Philippines’ first National Training Course on Disaster Risk Management for Cultural Heritage under the Kabilin Partnership Program. – **PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KABILIN CENTER**

THE KABILIN CENTER, CEBU CITY–A significant milestone in strengthening the protection of the Philippines’ cultural heritage against disasters officially commenced yesterday with the launch of the Bantay Kabilin: Pilot Training Program on Disaster Risk Management for Cultural Heritage (DRMCH) under the Kabilin Partnership Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) in partnership with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines and with the support of the Japan Foundation in Manila.

Implemented through the Kabilin Partnership Program, the first-ever training in the country brings together representatives from local government units, heritage practitioners, museums, cultural institutions, churches, disaster risk reduction and management offices, civil society organizations, and community partners to develop a shared commitment toward safeguarding cultural heritage before, during, and after disasters.

As the country’s oldest city and one of its foremost centers of history, faith, and culture, Cebu City is home to centuries-old churches, historic landmarks, traditional communities, museums, and heritage districts that embody the rich story of the Filipino people. However, these invaluable cultural assets continue to face increasing threats from earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, fire, and the impacts of rapid urbanization. While disaster response systems have steadily improved over the years, cultural heritage protection has often remained outside mainstream disaster risk management planning. Recognizing this gap, the Bantay Kabilin Pilot Training Program seeks to equip local stakeholders with the knowledge, practical skills, and collaborative networks necessary to effectively protect heritage resources in times of crisis.

The initiative is made possible through the Strategic Initiative Grant of the North and Central Portfolio of the RAFI, reflecting the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to conserving Cebu’s cultural legacy.

Developed in partnership with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines, the training combines internationally recognized conservation principles with community-based disaster risk management approaches tailored to the local context of Cebu. The program strengthens collaboration among local government units, emergency responders, church administrators, museum professionals, heritage advocates, and development partners to ensure that cultural heritage becomes an integral component of resilience planning.

Beyond technical capacity building, the pilot training seeks to cultivate a culture of shared stewardship by reinforcing that protecting cultural heritage is also protecting identity, collective memory, and community resilience.

The opening program gathered key leaders, heritage experts, and development partners who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening disaster resilience for cultural heritage in the Philippines.

Opening the program, Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, PhDAgSci, Chief Project Officer of the Kabilin Partnership Program, emphasized that Cebu City’s rich historical and cultural landscape makes it an ideal venue for piloting the national training course. He encouraged participants to work collectively in protecting heritage from growing disaster risks through preparedness, collaboration, and shared responsibility. He likewise expressed his appreciation to RAFI, ICOMOS Philippines, the Japan Foundation in Manila, the Kabilin Center, and the various partner institutions whose support made the initiative possible.

Representing ICOMOS Philippines, Ar. Giuseppe Luigi H. Abcede delivered the partners’ message, highlighting the importance of collaboration among heritage organizations, government institutions, technical experts, and local communities in translating internationally recognized conservation principles into meaningful local action. He reaffirmed ICOMOS Philippines’ commitment to supporting initiatives that build resilient heritage communities and strengthen professional capacity in cultural heritage conservation.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Amaya Cristina A. Fansler, President and Chief Executive Officer of RAFI, emphasized that protecting cultural heritage must go hand in hand with disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. She highlighted the importance of aligning international standards with local realities and underscored the value of partnerships among government, heritage professionals, communities, and development organizations. She concluded by encouraging participants to build lasting networks and shared commitment toward a more resilient future for Philippine cultural heritage.

The opening program also introduced the learning journey that participants will undertake over the succeeding weeks.

Ar. King Rosales, Project Lead and Focal Point, presented an overview of the Bantay Kabilin: DRMCH Pilot Program, outlining its objectives, structure, and expected outcomes. This was followed by Mr. Joselito H. Corpus, Project Director of Kabilin: DRMCH, who discussed the overall program framework, learning methodology, and participant journey throughout the training. The Bantay Kabilin: DRMCH Pilot Program marks the beginning of a long-term effort to establish a nationally recognized training model that integrates cultural heritage conservation with disaster risk management. Through sustained collaboration among RAFI, ICOMOS Philippines, government agencies, heritage institutions, and local communities, the initiative aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to safeguard its irreplaceable cultural heritage while building more resilient communities for future generations.

July 29, 2026

𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

SD Training 01: Basics of Heritage and Sustainable Development

13 to 15 August 2025 | The Kabilin Center, Cebu City

ICOMOS Philippines and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. conducted the first Sustainable Development Training under the Pamana 2030: Mobilizing Philippine Heritage as a Driver and Enabler of Sustainable Development initiative. Held at The Kabilin Center in Cebu City, the training brought together RAFI teams, ICOMOS Philippines, heritage workers, and development partners to build a common understanding of how cultural heritage can support sustainable development.

The sessions introduced participants to the wider role of culture and heritage in development work. Discussions looked at how heritage is connected to social inclusion, local economies, environmental care, community resilience, and identity. Participants also engaged with national and international frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine Development Plan, inputs from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the UNESCO Culture 2030 Indicators.

Through lectures, case studies, and group discussions, the training helped show that heritage is not only something to protect or preserve. It can also help communities respond to present needs and plan for the future. Examples from tourism, community mapping, disaster risk management, and heritage management showed how culture can be linked to practical concerns on the ground.

This first training laid the groundwork for the succeeding MPHSD activities. It helped participants move from a general understanding of heritage and sustainability toward a clearer view of how heritage work can be documented, measured, and connected to planning. It also helped establish the shared direction that would later guide the development of indicators and assessment tools under Pamana 2030.

Supporting agencies and representatives:

DepDev / national development planning input: Lester Owen Go, Chief Economic Development Specialist, DepDev Development Research Division

NCCA: Jesuben Angel S. Bongolan, Head of the Regional Coordination Unit, NCCA Planning and Policy Office

CIT-U: Engr. Erlyn Ivy O. Rago, Head of the Student Success Office, Cebu Institute of Technology – University

RAFI / Kabilin Partnership: Kenneth Javier Tua, Chief Project Officer, Kabilin Partnership

RAFI: Christian Anuta, Director, Program Excellence Group

SMEs / resource persons / facilitators:

Andrew Mason, WSP Canada Inc., ICOMOS SDGWG Member (Canada), Task Team on Heritage Evaluation Criteria and Indicators
Chen Mencias, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and former NEDA Stakeholders Chamber Representative for ICOMOS Philippines
Maria Lourdes ‘Joy’ Martinez Onozawa, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and Subject Matter Expert
Gabriel Caballero, MPHSD Project Director
Carmencita Solis, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and Facilitator

SD Training 02 Module 1: Designing Indicators and MOVs

22 and 29 January 2026 | Online and In-Person Sessions

Sustainable Development Training 02 Module 1 moved the discussion from general concepts of heritage and sustainable development toward the practical design of indicators and Means of Verification. Held through online and in-person sessions, the module focused on how RAFI’s heritage-related projects could be connected to national cultural policy priorities, especially the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts 2024-2029.

The sessions helped participants look at how each project could identify relevant indicators, available data sources, and possible evidence that can show culture’s contribution to sustainable development using the framework set by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The module introduced the idea that heritage projects need clear measures and documentation so that their social, cultural, economic, and governance contributions can be better understood over time.

Participants worked through the four RAFI project components, namely Casa Gorordo Museum, The Kabilin Center, the National Training Course on Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage, and the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Santo Nino Devotion. Through these discussions, project teams began matching their work with PDP-CA outcomes and identifying what kinds of data could realistically be collected from ongoing project activities.

This module became an important bridge between the first training and the later work on the UNESCO Culture 2030 Indicators. It helped prepare the teams for deeper indicator development by clarifying what can be measured, what evidence is available, and what still needs to be strengthened in the projects’ monitoring and documentation systems.

Supporting agencies and representatives:

NCCA: Jesuben Angel S. Bongolan, Head of the Regional Coordination Unit, NCCA Planning and Policy Office

SMEs / resource persons / facilitators:

Andrew Mason, WSP Canada Inc., ICOMOS SDGWG Member (Canada), Task Team on Heritage Evaluation Criteria and Indicators
Chen Mencias, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and former NEDA Stakeholders Chamber Representative for ICOMOS Philippines
Chanelle Mesjena Custorio, ICOMOS Philippines Member and Facilitator
Maria Lourdes ‘Joy’ Martinez Onozawa, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and Subject Matter Expert
Project perspective inputs included Joselito Corpuz for DRMCH, and Ador Vincent Mayol as MPHSD Project Lead

SD Training 02 Module 2: Building the Indicator Foundation

23 February and 5 March 2026 | Online and In-Person Sessions

Following the earlier discussions on heritage and sustainable development, Sustainable Development Training 02 Module 2 focused on building the indicator foundation for the MPHSD initiative. The module helped connect wider cultural monitoring frameworks with the ongoing work of RAFI, the Kabilin Partnership, and CEBloom Operations.

The sessions introduced the UNESCO Culture 2030 Indicators and explored how these could be applied to RAFI’s heritage-related projects. Building on previous discussions, participants looked at how international frameworks could help guide the process of measuring culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

One important part of the module was the discussion on Baguio City’s experience with the Culture 2030 Indicators. This example helped participants see how cultural data and heritage indicators can be used in an actual local applications. Participants also worked through RAFI’s own project data from four initiatives: Casa Gorordo Museum, The Kabilin Center, the National Training Course on Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage, and the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Santo Niño Devotion.

Through breakout sessions, participants identified possible indicators, reviewed available data sources, and reflected on how each project contributes to broader development outcomes. This module marked an important step in moving from broad ideas into more practical indicator work. It helped prepare the ground for a common assessment framework that can support reporting, learning, and planning across the Kabilin Partnership.

Supporting agencies and representatives:

Baguio Culture 2030 Indicators experience: Dr. Raymond Rovillos, College President III of Pangasinan Polytechnic College and former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Baguio

SMEs / resource persons / facilitators:

Andrew Mason, WSP Canada Inc., ICOMOS SDGWG Member (Canada), Task Team on Heritage Evaluation Criteria and Indicators
Chen Mencias, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and former NEDA Stakeholders Chamber Representative for ICOMOS Philippines
Chanelle Mesjena Custorio, ICOMOS Philippines Member and Facilitator
Maria Lourdes ‘Joy’ Martinez Onozawa, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and Subject Matter Expert
Project perspective inputs included Joselito Corpuz for DRMCH, Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales for ICHSN, and Ador Vincent Mayol as MPHSD Project Lead

SD Training 02 Module 3: Consolidating and Institutionalizing the Framework

23 to 24 March 2026 | The Kabilin Center, Cebu City

Sustainable Development Training 02 Module 3 brought together the work developed in the earlier sessions and focused on consolidating the MPHSD indicator framework. Held in person at The Kabilin Center, the module gathered participants from the Kabilin Partnership, RAFI, CEBloom Operations, and ICOMOS Philippines to refine how heritage-related project outcomes could be linked to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning.

The session focused on making the methodology more practical for long-term use. Using the inputs from the earlier modules, participants worked toward a common framework that connected local project outcomes with RAFI’s MEAL plans, while also aligning with the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts and the UNESCO Culture 2030 Indicators. This helped show how local heritage work can contribute to wider national and international development conversations.

The module also included discussions on impact scoring, policy alignment, and the updated Cultural Heritage Assessment Methodology. Case examples from the four RAFI projects helped participants test how the framework could apply to different types of heritage work, including museums, cultural facilities, training programs, and intangible cultural heritage initiatives. These discussions helped clarify how indicators could be prioritized, scored, and used for reporting and decision-making.

By the end of the module, the MPHSD work had moved closer to a working system for tracking how heritage contributes to sustainable development. The session also helped prepare the direction for the first MPHSD publication, which will continue the process of documenting, reviewing, and refining the knowledge produced through the trainings. Through this module, the Kabilin Partnership continued to show that heritage is not only cultural work, but also development work.

Supporting agencies and representatives:

RAFI / Kabilin Partnership: Kenneth Javier Tua, Chief Project Officer, Kabilin Partnership

NCCA: Jesuben Angel S. Bongolan, Head of the Regional Coordination Unit, NCCA Planning and Policy Office and Rhea Lyn H. Dela Cruz, Culture and Arts Officer, Regional Exchange Unit

SMEs / resource persons / facilitators:

Andrew Mason, WSP Canada Inc., ICOMOS SDGWG Member (Canada), Task Team on Heritage Evaluation Criteria and Indicators
Chen Mencias, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and former NEDA Stakeholders Chamber Representative for ICOMOS Philippines
Maria Lourdes ‘Joy’ Martinez Onozawa, ICOMOS Philippines SDGWG Member and Subject Matter Expert
Chanelle Mesjena Custorio, ICOMOS Philippines Member and Facilitator
Gabriel Caballero, MPHSD Project Director
Project perspective inputs included Joselito Corpuz for DRMCH, Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales for ICHSN, and Ador Vincent Mayol as MPHSD Project Lead

June 26, 2026July 6, 2026

𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 (𝗛𝗘𝗙) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

MANILA, Philippines — After the initial report on the damage assessment of the World Heritage Site of the Historic City of Vigan [Post-Earthquake Damage Assessment of Vernacular Building in the World Heritage City of Vigan [PEDAVBV],” UNESCO granted a Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF) for the Post-Earthquake Technical Enhancement of Standards for the Conservation and Protection of Ancestral Vernacular Houses of Vigan that was officially launched on September 14, 2023.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (11.3 MB)

The content of this report resulted from the first Heritage Emergency Fund project in the Philippines. Conservation Expert Teams were tasked to enhance repair and restoration modalities for the vernacular ancestral houses and recommend technical standards enhancement, and there were also in-kind contributions that were performed to supplement the effort towards Vigan’s recovery.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE. (981.7 MB)

To access the chapter report please download each file below.

Chapter 1 of the report is called “First UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF) Project in the Philippines.” This section explains the objectives of the report, presenting the general introduction of the assignment as well as scope and project delimitations. It contains the strategic project framework on awareness raising, knowledge sharing, and collective application.

It also presents the stakeholders involved – the project management teams and expert teams’ delegation, organizational chart, calendar, and a chronological timeline of activities and milestones achieved.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 1 HERE. (8.3 MB)

Chapter 2 is the analytical report of the Structural engineering Conservation. This assessment included performing a comprehensive structural investigation, including material testing and characterization, evaluating the structure, and proposing a restoration design based on the evaluation results and conservation principles. Using the results of the assessment, strengthening measures and repair are proposed.

Moreover, the assessment addresses structural safety concerns for damaged areas by providing a shoring design.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 2 HERE. (43.6 MB)

Chapter 3 of this report documents the Architectural Conservation Analytical Report. Highlights of this section of the report are the morphological analysis of the two pilot sites. Utilizing remnant design features, and architectural and structural components, the Architectural Conservation Team was able to forensically reconstruct the evolution of the two houses: its materials, design, and construction techniques.

Comparatively, this analysis considers the typologies of Filipino houses termed Bahay na Bato to the versions found in Vigan. This study also aims to analyze the kinship networks and ownership of these houses and how that affected their massing, form, function, and use.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 3 HERE. (165 MB)

Chapter 4 details the analytical report on the Materials Conservation investigation of two ancestral houses, emphasizing the importance of studying construction materials for effective restoration. This ensures compatibility, minimal intervention, and reversibility while respecting original materials and ensuring security, protection, and disaster risk management.

Understanding materials helps conservators find suitable replacements. Specialists in timber and masonry conservation, along with a forester, a materials scientist, and a chemist, began their studies in October 2023, and this report presents the results from their onsite visits and lab tests.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 4 HERE. (213.6 MB)

Chapter 5 outlines the addendum for the Heritage Homeowner’s Manual of the Historic City of Vigan. This update incorporates suggested technical standards, assessment findings, and the assigned team’s research methodologies. To gather more data for the manual, team leader Dr. Fatima Nicetas Alonzo co-led a project with Dr. Linda Shetabi and Ms Michelle Chelsea Ho from The University of Hong Kong (HKU),

where local team members and 21 faculty facilitators from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) guided 104 students grouped in 15 teams in documenting 15 heritage structures damaged in the July 27, 2022 earthquake.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 5 HERE. (42.5 MB)

Chapter 6 details the Capacity Building Program and Awareness Raising activities that took place on March 11 – 13, 2024 in Vigan, organized by the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET), the Training-Workshop Team of the project. As part of this report is a letter to UNESCO Jakarta that details activities until May 2024;

this is a summary of all the lectures, workshops, programs, and discussions which includes outputs, insights, and recommendations. This section has the following content: project title, technical details, description of activities, highlights, issues and recommendations/ideas, program brochures, and master list of participants with gender disaggregation and affiliation. As part of the project programming, the Local Manual Review (HCLMRE) Team organized a Town Hall Meeting with local stakeholders and homeowners at Tadena Hall, UNP. Furthermore, the USTGS-CCCPET held a series of lectures and training workshops on Vigan as a World Heritage Site which covered Vigan’s history, design, building materials, hazard vulnerabilities, and conservation strategies. Workshops by Master Mason Shiela Soliveres and Master Carpenter Elvin Alexon Ferrer at the Vigan Conservation Complex, provided by the local government, taught local participants like homeowners, contractors, and craftsmen how to handle traditional materials used in Vigan. These activities helped participants understand the conservation process and gain practical skills for conserving the heritage site.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 6 HERE. (20.8 MB)

Chapter 7 is a Disaster Risk Management Plan for Culture Heritage (HDRM) for Vigan. A disaster risk management plan for Vigan focuses on protecting and preserving the site against natural and human-made hazards. This plan includes assessing vulnerabilities, implementing early warning systems, and developing emergency response protocols to ensure rapid and effective action during disasters.

It also involves training local communities and stakeholders in disaster preparedness, conducting regular drills, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques for site conservation. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies to secure resources and support for ongoing risk reduction and recovery efforts.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 7 HERE. (45.2 MB)

Chapter 8 is a summation of the major project documentation and visibility outputs. Major project documentation and visibility outputs include detailed reports, visual records, and public presentations showcasing the project’s progress and results. These outputs ensure transparency and accountability, featuring comprehensive assessments, photographs, and videos of key activities.

Public exhibitions such as those tied with the closing ceremonies, press releases, and social media updates helped increase awareness and engagement among stakeholders and the wider community.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 8 HERE. (27.3 MB)

Chapter 9 reports donations or in-kind contributions for the HEF VIgan Project. In-kind contributions provided valuable resources and services without monetary exchange, significantly aiding projects and initiatives. For the UNESCO Emergency Fund, in-kind contributions from individuals, organizations, and partners were crucial in the recovery of Vigan after the earthquake.

These contributions varied and included investigation, expertise, lectures, and workshops, among others, which were essential towards the restoration and preservation efforts in Vigan. By supplying professional services, and volunteer work, these in-kind contributions augmented the project’s outputs, paving the way towards a more efficient recovery process. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they not only filled funding gaps but also fostered community involvement and ownership, ensuring that the conservation efforts were both comprehensive and sustainable.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 9 HERE. (7.5 MB)

Chapter 10: Closing Ceremony Summary Report. This portion of the report includes the summary of the closing ceremony activities that took place at Tadena Hall at the University of Northern Philippines at the World Heritage Site of the Historic City of Vigan on August 12, 2024. This momentous event provided the opportunity for all stakeholders, participants, and in-kind contributors to the HEF Vigan Project to celebrate its milestones and accomplishments in person and online in a hybrid session.

Eighty persons composed of homeowners, masons, carpenters, local and national government, in-kind contributors, partners, the academe, and the HEF team attended the ceremony. Individuals or representatives of organizations were asked to give a few words about the project’s impact and significance. The conclusion of the project marks the shared commitment to conserving the cultural heritage of Vigan. However, this event does not conclude the activities for the recovery of Vigan; from the HEF Vigan Project, testing and investigations and recommendations are available for use to rehabilitate damaged buildings still remaining.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 10 HERE. (20.2 MB)

Chapter 11 describes the initial project funded by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund in the Philippines that had a clear goal: to enhance the conservation efforts for Vigan’s historic houses following an earthquake. With UNESCO Jakarta and ICOMOS Philippines at the helm, the project aimed to support Vigan’s recovery journey.

Experts from ICOMOS Philippines used a comprehensive set of principles and developed recommendations to improve technical standards and bolster the country’s preparedness for future disasters. These guidelines are designed to be flexible, catering to the specific needs of each heritage site. The overarching aim is to elevate conservation practices nationwide, ensuring a sustainable approach to preserving our cultural treasures for generations to come.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 11 HERE. (13.8 MB)

The last chapter of the report, Chapter 12, shares the Key Achievements and Milestones of the First UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund Project in the Philippines. This chapter brings all of the activities together describing in detail the impact that the project had on the recovery of Vigan. Topics include mobilization of diverse, gender-sensitive, and intergenerational Expert Teams,

Technical Assessment and Conservation Standards Enhancement, enabling stakeholders through Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing, Knowledge Sharing: Awareness-Raising towards Coalition Building and Collective Application, and centering Heritage as a Public Good to raise In-kind Contributions. A discussion of challenges and prospects for future emergency and related projects follows with an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. Lastly in the third section, desirable outcomes and outputs on disaster risk management and post-crisis recovery are presented, reflecting on implementation of the fund – and how to bring continued recovery activities for the future.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 12 HERE. (9 MB)

In conclusion, the initiatives undertaken in response to the damage assessment of the Historic City of Vigan, supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, signify a significant step towards preserving and safeguarding cultural heritage in the Philippines. Despite inherent limitations and challenges, including governmental constraints and funding disparities, the project has created a multidisciplinary approach to conservation, encompassing structural, architectural, and materials assessments.

Furthermore, the integration of in-kind contributions and capacity-building lectures and workshops underscores the importance of community engagement and knowledge dissemination in ensuring the sustainability of conservation efforts.

Ultimately, the comprehensive achievements outlined in this report reflect a concerted commitment to enhancing conservation practices, reaffirming the significance of heritage as a collective endeavor for the benefit of future generations.

To read more, click the image to download.

March 16, 2026June 19, 2026

Tabang Cebu:

ICOMOS/ICORP’s Post-Disaster Recovery Steps Towards the Reconstruction of Santa Rosa de Lima Parish, Daanbantayan, Cebu

Cleared Facade of Santa Rosa de Lima Parish Church, Daanbantayan, Cebu (Source: Father B. Brigoli, Archdiocese of Cebu)

On 30 September 2025, a new fault line was discovered in the northern reaches of Cebu province. In recorded history, there had been no earthquakes in this area until the Bogo fault caused a 7.3. mW earthquake. In its wake, heritage churches were toppled, housing damaged and infrastructure was heavily compromised. This caused the closure of churches, most especially the parish church of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan. At this church, the unreinforced masonry structure’s primary facade crumbled with the energy of the quake. Not only did the initial quake cause considerable destruction but subsequent aftershocks loosened the stone cladding on the belfry.

The initial team to assess the damage at Daanbantayan was from the University of San Carlos’ College of Architecture and College of Engineering immediately after the quake and deployed for October 4th and 5th, 2025. The rapid visual survey was completed at three churches. The result was a characterization of the destruction, overturning of the roof and walls which were qualified and quantified.

However, the debris at Daanbantayan needed clearance to get an accurate portrait of the complete destruction that may have been hidden. WIth the direction of archaeologist Archie Tiauzon, salvage and debris clearance was accomplished using a grid system to understand where the stones fell in relation to the structure. This act of sorting and segregation will help reconstruct the church with sound materials that survived, and with the recovery, the approximate original placement of masonry stone units.

Segregation and Storage of Fallen Stones from Primary Facade (Source: Father B. Brigoli, Archdiocese of Cebu)

At Daanbantyan, from Sunday March 15 to Tuesday March 17, 2026, ICOMOS/ICORP’s head Mr. JH Corpus, upon Board approval, activated members conservation structural Engineers Team Leader Mary Grace Casuncad and Joaquin Ramos and conservation architects Ronald Allan Mabunga, Jr. and Carmencita Solis as well as Ar. Vangie Ulila from University of San Carlos, representing CHERISH joined the effort. All documentation will be processed by conservation architect Timothy Augustus Ong, who is providing support for the effort from Manila.

Conservation Architects Ronald J. Magumba and Architect Carmen Solis are joined by a local architect from Daanbantayan (Source: Tabang Cebu Team)

Scaled drawings of Daanbantayan (Source: Tabang Cebu Team)

With the instruction of Ar. Timothy Augustus Ong, the team on the ground are employing technologies that provide an accurate depiction of the church; drones are being flown around the church with control points on the surfaces of the walls. Interiors are covered by dSLR cameras which yield high resolution photos and will be stitched together to form a complete picture of the interiors.

Partial Point Cloud of Daanbantayan Church with Ground Control Points Defined

This important phase of documentation will allow both teams to further study the building so that recommendations are based on evidence and will yield an initial cost estimate for the church’s reconstruction. Also out of this plan will come a timeline for stabilization and eventual reconstruction.

For this step in the restoration of the church, the conservation engineers and architects are documenting with drone footage and by dSLR the current conditions of the church in order to stabilize the structure and shore the damaged structural and architectural elements.

ICORP Philippines Activated (Source: Tabang Cebu Team)

ICOMOS/ICORP extends its sincere gratitude to Reverend Father Brigoli for his trust and confidence in the organization to assist in the recovery of St. Rose of Lima Parish Church, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding the cultural and spiritual heritage entrusted to this historic church and its community.

This effort by ICOMOS/ICORP is dedicated to the parishioners of Daanbantayan, whose faith and stewardship continue to sustain the heritage of their community. The mission was made possible through the support of ICOMOS/ICORP, including funds provided by ICORP to assist the team in undertaking the work. It was further made possible through the generosity and cooperation of Reverend Father Brian C. Brigoli, Chairman of the Archdiocesan Commission on Cultural Heritage of the Church of Cebu, who ensured that the team could travel to and remain near the site in order to carry out the work.

October 14, 2024

ICOMOS Philippines Completes Heritage Project in Vigan

On August 12, 2024, the closing ceremony for the year-long heritage recovery project in Vigan was held at Tadena Hall, University of Northern Philippines. This event marked the culmination of a significant collaborative effort between the expert conservation teams, stakeholders of Vigan, the local government, local cultural institutions, tradespersons, contractors, technicians, and most especially the local homeowners, which was initiated in response to the devastating Northwestern Luzon Earthquake of 2022. The project, funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), aimed to enhance the technical standards for the conservation and protection of Vigan’s historic structures, particularly its vernacular ancestral homes.

One of the project’s key achievements was the capacity-building initiative for local contractors, tradespersons, and technicians. Through a series of lectures and workshops, participants were familiarized with traditional construction materials and techniques, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity in conservation interventions. This effort was crucial, especially given the reliance on modern construction techniques that are often incompatible with Vigan’s historic structures.

The project also highlighted the importance of community involvement and partnership. ICOMOS Philippines successfully campaigned for the project as an act of positive, communal participation, attracting generous donations and in-kind contributions that also led this project to attain another major accomplishment. For the allocation of $105,500 or ₱ 5,802,500 by the UNESCO and HEF donors, this amount was matched by private in-kind contributors who donated pro-bono services amounting to $111,433 or ₱ 6,128,814. The in-kind contributions gave the project a greater impact towards the recovery of Vigan.

The success of the project is not just a milestone in heritage conservation but a foundation for future efforts to conserve and protect the cultural heritage of Vigan and beyond. A forward-looking vision for greater resilience that captures the essence of what this project has achieved and what it aspires to accomplish in the future.

Please see the article in the The Daily Tribune. Read here https://bitly.cx/aR60.

This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund. We wish to thank its donors: the Qatar Fund for Development, the Government of Canada, the Kingdom of Norway, the French Republic, the United Kingdom, the Principality of Monaco, the Republic of Estonia, ANA Holdings INC, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Serbia.

For more information on ICOMOS Philippines https://philippines.icomos.org/

#UNESCO #unescoJAKARTA #ICOMOS #icomosPHILIPPINES #HeritageEmergencyFund #firstHEF #WorldHeritageSite #HistoricCityofVigan #PhilippineHeritage #SustainableHeritageManagement #ProtectHeritage

September 27, 2024October 4, 2024

ICOMOS Philippines Takes Part in the 2024 National Conference on Local History and Heritage

Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales stirred the discussion with onsite participants. She moderated the open forum of the panel taking in questions from the diverse audience composed of other cultural workers and local heritage advocates.

ICOMOS Philippines led a panel discussion at the 2024 National Conference on Local History and Heritage (NCLHH) last August 29, 2024, in the Ayala Museum, Makati City. The panel with the title Heritage Conservation Practices in the Philippines was chaired and moderated by Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, PhD, and was composed of Ms. Maria Cristina Paterno, Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, and LAr. Gabriel Caballero.

Ms. Maria Cristina P. Paterno, Immediate Past President of ICOMOS Philippines and Projects Manager of Preserving Legacies presented “Climate Vulnerability Assessment of the Ifugao Rice Terraces: Preserving Legacies, A Future for Our Past.” She shared the findings and experience of the recently published study that looked into the values of the terraces for the local communities and how these values, rooted in Indigenous knowledge, are impacted by climate change, as well as contribute to strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity as they try to preserve and protect their cultural heritage by integrating modern climate science.

Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua, Vice President of ICOMOS Philippines and Country Director of the UNESCO-Heritage Emergency Fund project for the Historic City of Vigan presented “Saluad-Tawid: Conserving and Protecting Heritage Houses and Structures in the Historic City of Vigan After the 2022 Earthquake.” The recently concluded project provided valuable lessons for disaster risk management for cultural heritage and working in a multi-stakeholder environment.

LAr. Gabriel Victor A. Caballero, Focal Point for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ICOMOS International presented “Pamana 2030: Local Case Profiles on Philippine Heritage and Sustainable Development Goals.” He presented selected efforts by the ICOMOS Sustainable Development Goals Working Group (SDGWG) to document heritage initiatives that intersect with SDGs.

Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, PhD, gave a short presentation about the upcoming initiative to document and safeguard the heritage of the devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebú in partnership with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), one of the three landmark projects under the ‘Kabilin Partnership’ with ICOMOS Philippines.

We in ICOMOS Philippines express our sincere gratitude and congratulations to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the organizers of the conference for the opportunity to share our work and on-ground experience towards a respected heritage profession in the country, and Philippine heritage that is conserved to the highest standards. We look forward to taking part again in the next NCLHH Conference.

For more information on ICOMOS Philippines https://philippines.icomos.org/

#ICOMOSPH #NHCP #ParaSaPamana #Kabilin #HistoryMonth #PatuloySaPagtuklas #OurHistoryContinues #HeritageConservation #LHCN2024

August 23, 2024June 19, 2026

ICOMOS Philippines Appoints a New Board Member and Legal Counsel

Manila, Philippines – ICOMOS Philippines Board of Trustees appointed a new Board Member and Legal Counsel last August 1, 2024 on its 11th Board Meeting of the year.

We happily welcome you and look forward to working with you in Philippine heritage that is celebrated and conserved through the highest standards.

Board Trustee Hon. Caroline Marie Q. Lising is a university lecturer, archaeologist, licensed interior designer, visual artist, and entrepreneur. She is also the Honorary Consul of Georgia in Manila and Luzon. As an archaeologist, she specializes in cultural heritage management of materials and sites of deep history. She obtained her PhD in Prehistoric Archaeology (Magna cum laude) from the Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany.

She created Crania Heritage Sciences, Inc in 2015 as a venue to deliver programs and events related to collaborative science-based heritage management. Mylene is president of Plaza Management, Inc. which manages Plaza Santiago, a courtyard and buildings across Fort Santiago–the most popular tourist, cultural, historical, and archaeological site within Intramuros, the historical walled city of Manila.

Legal Counsel Atty. Lucille Karen E. Malilong-Isberto is a lawyer with advocacies in forest and cultural heritage preservation. She holds degrees in law and economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

She headed the Committee on Monuments and Sites at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) from 2014 to 2016. She was Chairperson and later Executive Director of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (2019-2021), a government owned and controlled corporation mandated to conduct research on humanities and social sciences. She is currently a Vice President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Legal, Administrative and Financial Issues.

For the remaining term of 2024 – 2026, the following are the current Board of Trustees (BoT), Executive Officers (EOs) and Officers, Representatives and Coordinators (ORCs) as of August 19, 2024:

Chairman / President: Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, PhD

Vice President: Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua

Corporate Secretary: Ms. Lilia Rosa “Tats” Rejante-Manahan

Treasurer: Ar. Harvey A. Vasquez

Board Trustee and Spokesperson: Dr. Caroline “Mylene” Marie Quinto-Lising, PhD

Legal Counsel: Atty. Lucille “Kay” Karen E. Malilong-Isberto

Communications Officer: Mr. JH Corpus

Membership Officer: Ar. Giuseppe “Gio” Luigi Hernandez Abcede

EPWG National Representative: Ar. Claudia Isabelle V. Montero

SDGWG National Representative: Ar. Anjelika A. Orui

CCHWG National Representative: Ms. Kristine Kate A. Lim

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

*Current Board of Trustees, Officers and National Representatives*

The ICOMOS Philippines Membership is pleased to have them in the National Committee and looks forward to their valuable contribution towards the continuation of an excellent and fruitful three-year term.

Know more about the people behind the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines in the links below:

Board of Trustees and the Secretariat

Committee Officers and National Representatives

July 31, 2024July 31, 2024

Sagada Mission Compound Girls Dormitory Conservation Assessment

Click here to download the Report

Built in 1912, the Girls’ Dormitory is the first school building of the Mission of St. Mary the Virgin in Sagada. It played an essential role in the education of the children of the Cordilleras as it served as the first school building in the area from 1912 until 1951. An example of American-Philippine Colonial architectural style, the structure is currently unoccupied and under rehabilitation.

A product of collaboration between ICOMOS Philippines and the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, the Conservation Assessment of the Mission Compound Girls Dormitory by ICOMOS Philippines member Ar. Aris Go of Ninety Design Studio is a detailed example of doing proper conservation assessment which analyzes multiple facets of the heritage structure including architectural, material, and structural condition, and provides sound recommendations drawn from data.

July 29, 2024June 19, 2026

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 JH. 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

June 27, 2024June 27, 2024

Project Report on the Climate Vulnerability Assessment of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

Click here to download the Report

This Ifugao-led study is a climate vulnerability assessment of the rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The assessment establishes why local communities value the terraces, and how these values, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge, are impacted by climate change. The end goal is for communities to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity as they position to preserve and protect their cultural heritage.

Data was gathered by several focus group discussions among farmers in Nagacadan Hungduan, Mayoyao, Bangaan and Batad. This approach ensures the collection of critical data that truly reflects the lived experiences and needs of the indigenous Ifugao people. The assessment utilizes modern climate science and indigenous knowledge, as both realms of understanding are complementary and necessary to address the climate crisis more effectively.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces confront a web of climate challenges such as intensified typhoons, erratic precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts and increasing temperatures, which pose imminent risk of soil erosion, reduced crop yield or crop loss, landslides, and structural damage to the terraces. This threatens their ecological integrity, agricultural productivity, amplifies existing vulnerabilities, and can jeopardize the sustainability of this cultural landscape.