Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) updated 01/28/2014

Two days ago, I updated the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) with declarations of the National Museum in 2012 and 2013. Today, I got a copy of declarations of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) during the same period. The NHCP declared five sites in 2012 and four sites in 2013.

The following were declared National Historical Landmarks or Pambansang Palatandaang Makasaysayan: Manila Central Post Office Building and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila (Res. No. 1, S. 2012); Fort Pikit in Pikit, Cotabato (Res. No. 7, S. 2012); Crash Site of Mt. Pinatubo (the plane carrying President Ramon Magsaysay) in Mt. Manunggal, Cebu (Res. No. 8, S. 2012); Manila Bay and Waterfront (from Del Pan Bridge to the CCP) in Manila (Res. No. 19, S. 2012); Capul Lighthouse in Capul, Northern Samar (Res. No. 12, S. 2013); Saint Joseph Parish Church Complex in Las Pinas City (Res. No. 8, S. 2013); and the Zapote Battlefield and Zapote Bridge in Las Pinas City (Res. No. 11, 2. 2013).

The Resting Place of the Remains of Melchora "Tandang Sora" Aquino in Banlat, Quezon City was declared a National Shrine (Res. No. 4, S. 2012) and the Rizal National Monument in Manila, was re-declared a National Monument (Res. No. 8, S. 2013).

Also check out the declarations of the National Museum in 2012 and 2013.

Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) updated 01/26/2014

It's been quite a while since I updated the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP). I'm adding declarations made by the National Museum in 2012 and 2013, including Bohol churches declared after they were damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol on October 13, 2013.

Newly-declared National Cultural Treasures (Category I) include the Santo Domingo Church Complex and its Liturgical Objects in Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City (10/04/2012); the Twin Forts of Romblon: Fuerza de San Andres and Fuerza de Santiago in Romblon, Romblon (03/19/2013); the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity in Loay, Bohol, also a National Historical Landmark (10/22/2013); the Parish Church of the Santo Niño in Cortes, Bohol (10/22/2013); and the Motto Stella or Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila (12/30/2013).

Both Bohol churches sustained heavy damage during the earthquake and were set for declaration when the earthquake struck. The declarations went ahead to allow the government to fund the restoration of the churches.

Three National Cultural Treasures were completely destroyed during the earthquake, namely the Nuestra Señora de la Luz Parish Church Complex in Loon, Bohol, the Parish Church of the Holy Cross in Maribojoc, Bohol and the Balilihan Watchtower. The Balilihan Watchtower will be reconstructed. But it may be impossible to restore the two churches. This may lead to delisting in the future after undergoing the proper processes.

Several Important Cultural Properties (Category II) were also declared namely the Old Municipal Building of Angeles City, Pampanga (06/12/2012); the Mauban Public Bath in Mauban, Quezon (07/14/2012); the Old Provincial Building in Tagbilaran City, Bohol (07/22/2012); the Spanish Colonial Era Municipal Building, Traida de Aguas and Bridges in Romblon, Romblon (03/19/2013); the Guyangan Cave System in Banton Island, Romblon (03/19/2013); Casa de San Fernando in San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, Romblon (03/20/2013); the Saint Augustine Parish Church in Lubao, Pampanga (10/28/2013); and the Parish Church of Santa Monica in Alburquerque, Bohol (10/22/2013).

A new category was created namely Significant Cultural Properties (Category III). The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has turned over the declaration of Heritage Houses to the National Museum. And these may fall under any of the three categories depending on their significance. The Category III structures include the Mauban Seawall in Mauban, Quezon (07/02/2013); the Chanuangco Sunico House in Binondo, Manila (08/05/2013); the St. John the Baptist Church in Garcia Hernandez, Bohol (09/27/2013); the First United Building or Perez-Samanillo Building in Escolta, Manila (10/23/2013); and the Holy Infant Parish Church, Complex and Convent in Valencia, Bohol (11/04/2013).

For the first quarter of this year, several declarations are going to be made including the Capul Church in Northern Samar; Gota de Leche in Sampaloc, Manila; the Lopez House in Balayan, Batangas; Colonial Period Lighthouses (a blanket declaration for all Spanish and American colonial period lighthouses) and the Mural Paintings of the Paete Church in Laguna. We will report the official designations as soon as the declarations are made.

We also encourage everyone to write the National Museum to request for declarations in your own communities. Bohol has been very active in writing the National Museum for declarations, which explains why it has had many declarations in the past few years.

Heritage Conservation Summit 2013: Heritage & Real Estate Development

The Heritage Conservation Society and the City Government of Quezon City will organize the Heritage Conservation Summit 2013, on 9 November 2013 at Luxent Hotel, Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

The Summit, which is being organized for the second time, has adopted the theme: Heritage and Real Estate Development. It is aimed at bringing together a wide spectrum of participants representing national government, local government units, local historical and heritage societies, academe, heritage conservation practitioners and allied professionals, architects, planners and real estate developers, the tourism industry, and the media. Its primary objective is to discuss and exchange knowledge on the current state of heritage conservation and best practices of adaptive reuse in the Philippines and Asia, its recent developments and the challenges and opportunities faced in the conservation of heritage. The presentations will include successful experiences of real estate developers, local government units and community conservation groups.

We have 200 available slots for the Summit. It will be a one-day affair, with the second day allocated for an optional tour of heritage buildings and sites in Quezon City for interested participants on a first come first served basis. We invite you and your company, organization, agency or school to participate in the summit and learn more about the importance of heritage to real estate development.

On-site registration is Php1,500 inclusive of conference kits and meals.

Pre-register by Wednesday, November 6, 2013, to avail of discounted rates. If pre-registered, participation fees are Php1,000 for professionals, Php800 for HCS members in good standing or masteral students with ID, and Php300 for undergraduate students with ID.

Registration Form
Please copy and paste the text below and e-mail the information to info@heritage.org.ph –

□ I will attend Heritage Conservation Summit 2013: Heritage & Real Estate Development on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Luxent Hotel, Timog Avenue, Quezon City

FULL NAME:
NAME FOR ID:
POSITION:
ORGANIZATION/ COMPANY:
CONTACT NUMBER:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:

□ I will join the tour of Quezon City heritage sites on Sunday, November 10, 2013

Please issue check payments to HERITAGE CONSERVATION SOCIETY. Cash or check payments could be deposited to BPI C/A No. 8105-8153-61, BPI MH del Pilar Branch. Remember to e-mail your deposit slip to info@heritage.org.ph together with this form and keep the original deposit slip which you have to submit on the day of the summit.

Tentative Program
08:00 - Registration
08:30 - National Anthem
08:35 - Welcome Message – Gemma Cruz Araneta, HCS Chairperson
08:45 - Welcome Message – Hon. Joy G. Belmonte, Vice Mayor, Quezon City
09:00 - Keynote Address – Hon. Herbert M. Bautista, Mayor, Quezon City
09:20 - Adaptive Reuse: Global Trend, Make it Local – Ivan Anthony S. Henares, HCS President
09:30 - Principles of Adaptive Reuse – Archt. Jojo Mata, University of the Philippines
10:00 - Open Forum
10:15 - Coffee Beak
10:30 - Heritage Structures for Rental Housing – Ana Dizon
11:00 - Rise of Vigan Real Estate Values through Heritage – Eric Zerrudo, University of Santo Tomas
11:30 - Open Forum
12:00 - Lunch
13:00 - New Manila: Development Pressure on Heritage Homes – Erik Akpedonu, Ateneo de Manila University
13:30 - Iloilo Business District Revitalization – Archt. Manuel B. Tingzon, Jr.,  ICCHCC Vice Chairperson
14:00 - Adaptive Reuse: Museum of Natural History – Archt. Dom Galicia, HCS Guru
14:30 - Open Forum
14:45 - Coffee Break
15:00 - Adaptive Reuse and Real Estate Development – Eric Manuel, Urban Land Institute Philippines
15:30 - Establishing a Heritage Trust in the Philippines – Atty. Mark Evidente, President, TwoEco, Inc.
16:00 - Rehabilitation of Bohol and Cebu Heritage
16:30 - Open Forum
17:00 - Closing Statement

Rebuilding the heritage churches of Bohol

The Diocese of Tagbilaran has always been exemplary when it comes to heritage conservation. In fact, they are the only diocese in the country actively getting their churches declared, thanks to the efforts of Fr. Ted Torralba. Which explains why they have more than ten properties declared as National Cultural Treasures or National Historical Landmarks within their diocese alone.

Being declared properties, the NCCA and its attached agencies will have a lot to do with the restoration of many of the churches damaged by the October 15, 2013 earthquake in Central Visayas. But the effort will mainly be an undertaking of the Diocese of Tagbilaran which covers the southern half of Bohol Province.

A new bank account was created solely for contributions to the reconstruction and restoration of Bohol's churches. Donations are now accepted:

Account Name: The Roman Catholic Bishop of Tagbilaran
Account No. 123-3-123-51030-6 / Metrobank (Tagbilaran Branch)

To get a receipt for your donation, e-mail your deposit slip to the Diocese of Tagbilaran thru j_asion@yahoo.com or fax to (038) 4115653. List of donors will be published. When the plan developed by the Heritage Task Force is in place and implemented, expenses will also be published.

Fr. Ted Torralba answers some FAQs about the restoration and donations below:

1. How the restoration will be undertaken and who will be on board?
The Diocese of Tagbilaran has a long-standing commitment with the NCCA, NHCP, and the NM to abide by accepted national and international standards of heritage conservation. It has a functioning Diocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church established in July 1995, predecessor to an earlier diocesan committee for church restoration created in 1993, to monitor intervention on heritage churches, implement the cultural heritage law of the Church and of the Government, and recommend approval of any heritage intervention, subject to the authority of the Bishop of Tagbilaran who has the final decision on the pastoral care of heritage resources. Its activities in the area of the pastoral care of the cultural heritage resources of the Church prompt the creation of the CBCP Permanent Committee of the Cultural Heritage of the Church and advanced the preparation of the Holy See - Philippines international agreement on the cultural heritage of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

In the present circumstances, it awaits the results of the rapid assessment of the NCCA Heritage Task Force (coordinated by the undersigned) which is expected to be released this coming Monday, 21 October. The Diocese will abide by the restoration and/or reconstruction plan developed by the said Task Force. It awaits the rapid creation of the Task Force's field office headquartered at the NM's branch in Tagbilaran opposite the Tagbilaran Cathedral. Aside from technical experts from the National Government cultural agencies, the Diocese fields its Sacred Architecture Committee members as collaborators with the Task Force's field office. This said committee is one of five under the Diocese's Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church.  It is constituted of four architects trained in heritage conservation and two structural engineers.

2. What form of cooperative engagement will we have here?
MOAs will be signed on Thursday between the NM (which has jurisdiction over all the declared churches in the Diocese), the Provincial Government of Bohol, and the Diocese of Tagbilaran. The MOAs come under the umbrella of R.A. 10066 and the above-referenced Holy See - Philippines international agreement. Bilateral or multilateral agreements will subsequently be entered into with other National Government cultural agencies as the needs arise.

3. How will the donations be managed and reported?
On the matter of donations to the Diocese of Tagbilaran for restoration and reconstruction, all will be receipted and accounted for. List of donors will be published from time to time as well as expenses incurred during the restoration process.  The Diocese has the time-honored custom of printing in the weekly news bulletins of its parishes all the donations, tithes, offerings given and the expenditures incurred. It will do the same for this massive project.

Built heritage damaged by Central Visayas earthquake
This is a list of built heritage damaged during the October 15, 2013 earthquake that hit Central Visayas. This list is not limited to religious structures. Please update this list by commenting below.

Declared properties: NCT - National Cultural Treasure; NHL - National Historical Landmark; ICP - Important Cultural Property; HH - Heritage House

Bohol
Alburquerque Church (ICP) - minimal damage
Baclayon Church (NCT & NHL) - facade & belfry collapsed
Balihan Watchtower (NCT) - totally destroyed
Bohol Capitol (ICP)
Carmen Church - nave with ceiling murals collapsed
Clarin Church - church collapsed
Clarin House, Loay (HH)
Cortes Church - facade collapsed
Dauis Church (NCT & NHL) - facade collapsed
Dimiao Church (NHL) -
Inabanga Church - facade left standing
Loay Church (NHL) - facade collapsed
Loboc Church (NCT & NHL) -
Loon Church (NCT & NHL) - totally destroyed
Maribojoc Church (NCT & NHL) - totally destroyed
Maribojoc Presidencia
Panglao Watchtower (NCT) - roof fell in
Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc (NCT)
Tubigon Church - facade collapsed

Cebu
Argao Church (NHL) - minor damage, baluster of belfry gave way
Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino - belfry collapsed
Carcar Church - big crack in belfry; may collapse
Cebu Cathedral - aesthetic damage to facade
Dalaguete Church (NHL) - heavy damage to belfry and pediment; may collapse
Fort San Pedro - heavy damage to walls
Sibonga Church - some cracks

Related articles
FAQs on church heritage conservation in the Philippines
Bohol: Visita iglesia, heritage churches and watchtowers

Adaptive reuse in the Philippines, an appeal to real estate developers

One of the goals of the Heritage Conservation Society is to convince real estate developers and heritage property owners that they need not demolish old buildings in order to create new developments that are economically-viable. In fact, incorporating built heritage enhances the character of new developments and has been proven, in many countries, to increase property values and returns on investment.

Adaptive reuse is a creative mode of conservation that gives heritage structures new and alternative functions other than the original ones that may no longer be required. Most often than not, built heritage resources are found on premium real estate property so developers are in a hurry to demolish rather than restore and recycle. Today, there is a growing awareness that adaptive reuse can enhance property value.

A stylized DNA double helix is the focus of the glass-covered central courtyard, the symbolic center of the new Museum of Natural History (Photo from National Museum)

(Above) The exteriors of the heritage DOT building are maintained, except for the addition of a glass dome covering the central courtyard; (Below) Shown by blue arrows, air circulation through the central coutryard passively cools the interior environment. Low-emissivity glass reflects solar heat as shown by yellow arrows (Photo from the National Museum)

Examples of adaptive reuse in the country include the Old Legislative Building and Department of Finance, now the National Art Gallery and the Museum of the Filipino People, component museums of the National Museum. The Department of Tourism (former Department of Agriculture) will soon be transformed into the Museum of Natural Sciences with Architect Dominic Galicia leading the team that will retrofit this old building to house the new museum.

Nielson Tower was the former Manila International Air Terminal. The first flight of Philippine Airlines took off from here (Photo from Wikipedia uploaded by user Christopher Rath)

Another classic example is the Nielson Tower (former Manila International Air Terminal) which used to house the Filipinas Heritage Library. Ayala definitely did a good job with this adaptive reuse since Nielson Tower was recognized by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in  2001.

Juan Luna E-Service Building (Photo from Augusto Villalon)

A close-up of the additional floor of the Juan Luna E-Service Building (Photo from Augusto Villalon)

The Juan Luna E-Services Building (former First National City Bank) in Binondo, Manila is being retrofitted to host a future call center. The architect of this project is Augusto Villalon. Notice the additional floor discreetly and intelligently added to the structure. Much of Escolta is also being prepared for adaptive reuse. Who said heritage buildings can't be useful today?

In many countries, like Australia, demolition of heritage structures is considered wasteful. The Department of the Environment and Heritage of Australia says, “Sustainable development has become a goal for all Australian  governments seeking to balance the health of the environment with the health  of the economy. The predominant vision of a sustainable built future is of state of the art buildings utilising energy efficient design and materials. In reality, this vision should consider the 200 years of European built heritage that stands in tandem with the green structures we rightly seek to create.

“The built environment provides a footnote to our histories, helping to identify our places as Australian, rather than generically ‘modern’ or ‘contemporary’. Historic buildings give us a glimpse of our past and lend character to our communities as well as serving practical purposes now.

“In the pursuit of sustainable development, communities have much to gain from adaptively reusing historic buildings.

“Bypassing the wasteful process of demolition and reconstruction alone sells the environmental benefits of adaptive reuse. Environmental benefits, combined with energy savings and the social advantage of recycling a valued heritage place make adaptive reuse of historic buildings an essential component of sustainable development.”

Download a copy of the publication Adaptive Reuse: Preserving our past, building our future for more information and inspiration.

Another Australian publication featuring adaptive reuse comes from the State Heritage Office of the Government of Western Australia. You can download a copy of Heritage in Action: Adaptive Reuse for even more intelligent examples.

Pratt Street Power Planet (Photo from Wikipedia uploaded by user Andrew Horne)

Western Metal Supply Company (Photo from Wikipedia uploaded by user UCinternational)

The Pratt Street Power Plant in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, was converted into retail, restaurants, and offices. I've personally seen this and I've seen how it's been an important public space of the city. The Western Metal Building was not demolished to build Petco Park, the home field of the San Diego Padres. See how it was tastefully incorporated with the new complex.

Young Street Lane Offices by Malcolm Fraser Architects is located in a mews street in Edinburgh’s original New Town (Photo by David Cemry)

Then there are the entries to the inaugural WAN Adaptive Re-use Award 2012. The winner was the Music School Louviers in Normandy, France. Inhabitat.com also has an index of articles featuring examples of adaptive reuse. Alyn Griffiths shares even more examples in an Architonic.com article Help the Aged: innovative adaptive reuse in architecture.

Fort Point Loft Condominiums, a 140,000 square foot project, encompasses the adaptive reuse of two historic structures, the construction of a new building on an adjacent lot, and a three-story rooftop addition above all three structures (Photo from AIA)

I personally like the Fort Point Loft Condominiums in Boston, Massachusetts which was among the winners of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2009 Housing Awards. The three floors that were added was set back so you don't see them at street level. Plus the new building they constructed followed the scale and proportions of the two older buildings. Another AIA honoree is the Ford Assembly Plant which was among the recipients of the 2011 Institute Honor Awards.

McDonald's New Hyde Park (Photo from ScoutingNY.com)

Now who said you have to demolish a heritage building for McDonald's. Check out the McDonald's in New Hyde Park, which is arguably, the most beautiful McDonald's store in the United States. In fact, in many places that I visited, especially in Europe and South America, McDonald's stores can be found in heritage buildings. Now why the hell can't we do it in the Philippines?

In Ontario, Canada, Does Adaptive Reuse Pay? A Study of the Business of Building Renovation in Ontario, Canada was written by Robert Shipley, Steve Utz and Michael Parsons. They note, “Older buildings are important aesthetic, cultural and economic resources but in many jurisdictions hundreds of historic buildings have been demolished because developers and bankers argued that the cost of adapting them for new uses is too high. Still, a growing number of reputable developers are completing exciting projects featuring innovative building renovation.” The writers add, “In Ontario, Canada, there exists a group of dynamic and creative investors with a passion for older buildings. Some reuse projects are more costly than new building but not all and the return on investment for heritage development is almost always higher. This has important implications in Ontario where recent legislative changes have finally given local councils the authority to prevent the demolition of listed buildings, but the lessons for other jurisdictions are also important.”

Tutuban Centermall (Photo from Wikipedia uploaded by user Spatrol)

RCBC Silay City

Museo Ilocos Norte

There are so many other good examples from the Philippines, such as the Tutuban Centermall (former Tutuban Railway Station), RCBC Silay City which is housed in the former Golez Mansion, and the Museo Ilocos Norte in what originally was a Tabacalera warehouse (by Architect Jojo Mata). The list continues to grow. And it is important that owners, architects and developers in the Philippines to embrace this concept of adaptive reuse if we are to make our country and its cities outstanding places with character and identity. This much we owe to our nation.

Heritage Conservation Summit 2013: Heritage and Real Estate Development
Heritage advocates, property owners, real estate and mall developers, cultural workers and government agencies will gather on November 9, 2013 for the Heritage Conservation Summit 2013. This year's theme is Heritage and Real Estate Development where discussions will revolve on how built heritage can enhance real estate and mall developments. Mark your calendars! Venue to be announced next month.

SOS Manila Bay Coalition launched; People's Petition against reclamation of Manila Bay initiated

The SOS Manila Bay Coalition against the reclamation of Manila Bay was formally launched last January 5, 2013, Saturday at the Manila Yacht Club. For information on the reclamation project and the reasons behind the opposition, below is the petition that is circulating among Manila residents and concerned citizens.

THE PEOPLE'S PETITION AGAINST THE RECLAMATION OF MANILA BAY

Whereas, Manila Bay, covering the areas of Manila, Pasay, and Paranaque was reserved for the purposes of a national park under Proclamation 41 in 1954 by President Ramon Magsaysay, to be known as the Manila Bay Beach Resort;

Whereas, Republic Act 7586 issued in 1992, recognized the value of having a national park in the Manila Bay area and included it in the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 notwithstanding the fact that portions of the Bay area of Pasay and Paranaque had already been reclaimed;

Whereas, the City Council of Manila passed City Ordinance 7777 on January 13, 1993 prohibiting any form of reclamation along Manila Bay from the U. S. Embassy to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which Ordinance was approved by Alfredo S. Lim as Mayor of Manila and Jose L. Atienza as Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer of the City Council of Manila;

Whereas, on June 6, 2011, the City Council of Manila passed City Ordinance 8233 amending Ordinance 7777 and all rules and regulations inconsistent with the Ordinance, and authorizing the Mayor of Manila, Alfredo S. Lim, to file an application with the Philippine Reclamation Authority to reclaim certain portions of the Manila Bay;

Whereas, the City of Manila  signed a contract with Manila Gold Coast Corporation as contractor for the reclamation without a genuine consultation with the people, and in apparent contradiction with Republic Act No. 7586;

Whereas, Republic Act No. 7586 dated 1992 declares among others that the Manila Bay should be among the areas considered as a protected landscape and seascape of national significance which is characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these land areas;

Whereas, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the Manila Bay and Waterfront from Del Pan Bridge to the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Roxas Boulevard as a National Historical Landmark, and is thus protected by Republic Act No. 10066, “The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”;

Whereas, the Philippine Tour Operators Association has launched a campaign to make Manila the center of culture, arts and recreation with our heritage landmarks, open parks, the boulevard, and the Manila Bay sunset at the forefront;

Whereas, the area of Manila Bay along the historic districts of Ermita, Malate and Intramuros have been important culture, art and tourism destinations whose potential should be maximized along what other great cities have done for their waterfront and historical districts and improved rather than destroyed;

Whereas, the present aggressive development of the area cannot be supported by the existing infrastructure, and extreme pressure is being placed on already inadequate water and power supply, traffic,  sewage and sanitation — problems so far not solved, which can only worsen with reclamation;

Whereas, excessive groundwater extraction brought about by the growing population of Manila has caused the lowering of the land surface by several centimeters to more than a decimeter a year in the areas of Ermita, Malate and Intramuros;

Whereas, the lowering of the land level is causing floods to worsen year by year, and any reclamation made would be built at a higher grade causing rainwater to flow back into an already flood-prone area, destroying the already fragile ecological balance;

Whereas, the coastal areas along the Manila Bay are at highest risk for liquefaction in earthquake scenarios;

Whereas, the Philippines suffers from a geographic disadvantage because it is one of the countries in the world which experiences the highest rate of sea level rise and any physical changes in the coastline will affect the way weather systems form, approach and behave on land;

Whereas, it is extremely important for all stakeholders to understand how these reclamation plans will impact our human communities, coastal and marine geology, biodiversity, heritage structures, and climate change;

Whereas, the planned reclamation of Manila Bay and the planned development of the area will directly affect the entire community made up of residents, businesses, tourism establishments, cultural heritage centers, and the Filipino people, and will destroy all hopes of making Manila the center of culture, arts, recreation, and tourism;

Therefore: We, our consortium, which includes registered voters of the City of Manila, are united in making the following PROPOSITIONS to the Sanggunian Panglungsod of the City of Manila:

1. Repeal City of Manila Ordinance 8233 and restore City of Manila Ordinance 7777;
2. Stop the planned and future reclamation of Manila Bay between the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the U. S. Embassy;
3. Cancel the contract between the Manila City government and the Manila Gold Coast Corp;
4. Enact a master plan that maximizes the opportunities and potential of the waterfront for the enjoyment of the people.

Signed on this 5th day of January, 2013.

SOS MANILA BAY COALITION
Alyansa ng Maralita ng Maynila Laban sa Reklamasyon ■ Artist Welfare Foundation, Inc. (AWFI) ■ Care for the Earth - Malate Catholic Church ■ Care for the Earth - Vicariate of the Nuestra Señora de Guia ■ Cinemalaya Filmmakers ■ CCP Employees Association ■ CCP Resident Companies ■ Cultural Center of the Philippines ■ Day by Day Ministry ■ Ecological Society of the Philippines ■ Heritage Conservation Society ■ ICOMOS Philippines ■ International PEN (Poets and Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) ■ Kabataan Partylist ■ Kalikasan Partylist ■ Kutitap Storytellers Groups ■ National Theater Festival Network ■ Old Manila Walks ■ Philippine Art Education Association ■ Philippine Association of Theater Designers and Technicians (PATDAT) ■ Philippine High School for the Arts ■ Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group (Philstage) ■ Philippine Tour Operators Association ■ Piano Teachers Guild ■ Printmakers Association of the Philippines ■ Save Philippine Seas ■ Theater Actors Guild ■ Ugnayan ng Manunulat sa Pilipinas ■ Walk This Way (Celdran Tours) ■ World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines

Sign the petition here. Join the coalition, like the SOS Manila Bay Facebook page. Use the Twitter hastag #SaveManilaBay

News Articles
Coalition vs reclamation: Keep Manila Bay ‘sacred’
Goodbye beautiful sunset? Groups protest Manila Bay reclamation project
Citizens coalition opposes reclamation of Manila Bay along Roxas Blvd
Mania Bay reclamation project faces continued opposition
Standoff looms over Manila Bay reclamation project

Laguna: Save the Alberto House!

If you believe that the Philippine Government should save the ancestral house of Jose Rizal's mother Teodora Alonzo, share this until it reaches our government leaders. No to transfer to Bagac, Bataan!

From Dr. Bimbo Sta. Maria of United Artists for Cultural Conservation and Development (UACCD) in Binan, Laguna:  "A part of the Alberto House caved in yesterday. This is the beginning of the end of this historic house. After it was demolished from the inside and its parts transferred to Bataan, the house has been left exposed to the elements. No ceiling, no floor and its foundations dug and exposed, it was inevitable for the house, now left only with its shell, to go down.

"The planned expropriation proceedings by our local government did not push through for some reasons. UACCD has followed it up in the past until the present but the LGU has other pressing problems to attend to. RA 10066 is in effect. But as stated before, the national government does not have the funds to save all heritage structures.

"It is a fact that the house remains to be private property. With the owner's loss of interest to preserve the house and his selling it, this is the moment he has long been waiting for to get rid of this important cultural property. Consummatum est! (Photo courtesy of Star Jenny Carpena Chiucinco-Temprosa)"

Get ready for the International Cultural Tourism Conference and Heritage Conservation Summit in November! Register now!

Mark your calendars! We have two interesting heritage conservation and cultural tourism events this November which you all should not miss, especially for national cultural agencies and local government tourism, arts and culture offices, cultural workers, tourism policy makers and stakeholders, architects and urban planners, faculty and students, and the general public. Make sure to register early since slots are limited!

ICOMOS International Conference on Cultural Tourism 2012
City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur (November 7-8, 2012)

November 7, 2012 (Wednesday)
08:00-09:00     Registration
09:00-09:05     Philippine National Anthem
09:05-09:10     Welcome Message – Augusto F. Villalon, President, ICOMOS Philippines
09:10-09:20     Opening Address – Susan Millar, President, ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC)
09:20-10:00     Keynote Address – Hon. Felipe de Leon, Chairman, National Commission for Culture and the Arts
10:00-10:30     Cultural Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities for Community Development / A Destination Approach to Protecting Heritage Values and Enhancing the Visitor Experience – Policy, Planning and Management – Susan Millar, ICTC President
10:30-11:00     Coffee Break
11:00-11:30     Tourism and Community Development through Successful Cultural Heritage Merchandising – Graham Brooks
11:30-12:00     Shared Built Heritage in Asia – Sue Jackson-Stepowski, ISC SBH Vice President
12:00-13:00     Lunch
13:00-13:30     Economic and Social Impact of Heritage – Michele Prats, Vice President, ICOMOS France
13:30-14:00     Community Based Tourism in the Philippines: National Tourism Development Plan and Intramuros Master Plan – Augusto Villalon, ICOMOS Philippines President
14:00-14:30     Cultural Heritage Tourism Development Framework for Enhancing Heritage for Tourism: Case Study, The Grand Trunk Road in Punjab, India – Gurmeet S Rai, Director, CRCI New Delhi  
14:30-15:00     Gabii sa Kabilin – Joy Gerra, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation
15:00-15:30     Coffee Break
15:30-16:00     Heritage Site Visitation Management – Randy Durband, USA
16:00-16:30     Cultural Tourism in a Multi-Ethnic Traumatized Community – Pali Wijeratne, Sri Lanka
16:30-17:00     The Role of Cultural Heritage in Peacemaking and Rebuilding Post-Conflict Communities – Suzanne Bott, PhD
17:30-18:00     War and Peace in Tourism – Mark Torres, MSU Iligan
18:00-18:15     Announcements

November 8, 2012 (Thursday)
08:00-08:30     Arrival of Participants
08:30-09:00     High-Impact Tour Packages for Sustainable Community Development: The Case of Kularts Tribal Tours and Cultureight Travel – Carlo Ebeo and Charisse Aquino-Tugade
09:00-09:30     Liternature: Cultural Tourism Destination and Opportunity for Community – Kwangsik Kim, Senior Member, ICOMOS Korea
09:30-10:00     Cultural Tourists of the Future for the Asia-Pacific Region – Hilary du Cros
10:00-10:30     Coffee Break
10:30-11:00     Cultural Heritage and Local Development: A Case Study of District Mansehra KP, Pakistan – Sattar Fazli Durrani, Assistant Professor, Hazara University
11:00-11:30     Communicating Heritage Values - Creative Conversations – Peter Ross and Susan Millar, ICTC President
11:30-12:00     “Telling the Stories of The Rocks”:  Place Based Interpretation (Ian Kelly, Director, The Rocks and Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority)
12:00-13:00     Lunch
13:00-13:30     The Heritage River Island, Assam – Dilip K. Medhi, Gauhati University, Guwahati Department of Anthropology
13:30-14:00     Developing Values-Based and Participatory Tourism: A Need for “River Island of Majuli Cultural Landscape in the Midstream of Brahmaputra River, Assam, India” for a Prospective World Heritage Site in North East India – GSV Suryanarayana Murthy, Conservation Architect, Hyderabad, India; and Syed Iftikar Hussain, CEO, Majuli Cultural Landscape Management Authority, Assam, India
14:00-14:30     Sustainable Tourism on World Heritage Properties Linked to Agricultural and Livestock Rearing Practices: Enhancing the Role of Communities – Celia Martínez, University of Granada, Spain
14:30-15:00     Small Town Heritage Tourism and the International Cultural Tourism Charter – Jim Donovan, FASLA
15:00-15:30     “The Castle and the Community” – The Key Role of Hillsborough Castle Northern Ireland in Cultural Tourism for Community Development – Sharon Brown and Alan Oliver, ICOMOS UK
15:30-16:00     Coffee Break
16:00-16:30     Limunsudan Falls, Northern Mindanao Heritage Tourism – Rosario Dizon
16:30-17:00     Argao Youth for Heritage Society - AYHS: Empowerment through Community-Based Cultural Education – Ruel Javier Rigor, AYHS Founder and Adviser
17:00-17:20     Open Forum
17:20-17:30     Conclusions and Announcements

For registration to the conference, send an e-mail to vigan2012@icomosphilippines.com. Note that seats are limited. We will accept participants on a first come, first served basis. Payment of conference fee confirms your slot.

Participation fees are Php3500 for professionals (inclusive of lunch on both days, conference kits) and Php600 for undergraduate students with ID (inclusive of packed lunch on both days, conference kits)

Note that the fees do not include transportation to/from Vigan and accommodation there. The City Tourism Office of Vigan, Ilocos Sur can assist you in looking for accommodation. You may contact the office at (077) 7228776 or admin@vigancity.gov.ph. Registration begins at 8 a.m. of Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Conference will end at 5:30 p.m. of Thursday, November 8, 2012.

For cash and check payments, you may deposit to:
International Council on Monuments & Sites Philippines, Inc.
Bank of the Philippine Islands S/A No. 3083 7113 95 (Loyola Katipunan Branch)

Scan and e-mail a copy of the deposit slip to vigan2012@icomosphilippines.com. Keep the original slip and present it when you register during the conference. You will need the deposit slip to claim your conference ID, kit and official receipt.

Heritage Conservation Summit 2012: Economics of Heritage
Batangas City Convention Center (November 24, 2012)

07:30-08:30     Registration
08:30-08:40     Welcome Remarks – Mayor Vilma Dimacuha, Mayor of Batangas City
08:40-08:50     Opening Remarks – Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) Chairperson
08:50-09:00     Summit Goals and Expected Outcomes – EnP. Nathaniel von Einsiedel, HCS President
09:00-09:30     Incentivizing Preservation under the Tourism Act of 2009 – Atty. Mark Evidente, President of TwoEco, Inc.
09:30-10:00     Open Forum
10:00-10:30     Report of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) – Dr. Jaime C. Laya, Chairman of Committee on Monuments and Sites (CMS)
10:30-11:00     Report of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) – Chairman Ma. Serena Diokno
11:00-11:30     Report of the National Museum (NM) – Director Jeremy Barns
11:30-12:00     Open Forum
12:00-13:00     Lunch
13:00-13:20     Batangas City's Heritage Conservation Initiatives – Eduardo V. Borbon, Vice Chair, Batangas City Cultural Affairs Committee
13:20-13:40     BPO@Escolta – Arch. Dominic Galicia, ICOMOS, 20th Century Architecture Committee
13:40-14:00     Ayala Land, Inc.'s Heritage Conservation Initiatives – Arch. Joel Luna, Vice President, Ayala Land, Inc.
14:00-14:20     Orchid Garden Suites: A 16-Year Economic Case Study of Adaptive Reuse – Simon Paterno, former president of Development Bank of the Philippines
14:20-15:00     Open Forum
15:00-15:30     Coffee Break
15:30-15:45     Report of the HCS – Arch. Manolo Noche, Corporate Secretary of HCS
15:45-16:00     Report of ICOMOS Philippines – Arch. Augusto F. Villalon, President of ICOMOS Philippines    
16:00-16:15     Report of the Diwa ng Batangan
16:15-16:45     Open Forum
16:45-17:00     Closing Remarks – Ivan Anthony Henares, HCS Vice President
17:00-17:15     Adjournment (Proceed to Bahay ni Ka Tonying)
17:15-17:45     History and Restoration of Bahay ni Ka Tonying – Arch. Rene Mata, Treasurer of HCS
17:45-18:30     Tour of the Acosta-Pastor Ancestral House
18:30-19:30     Concert
19:30-20:30     Dinner

For registration to the summit, send an e-mail to hcs_secretariat@yahoo.com.

Participation fees are Php1000 for professionals (inclusive of lunch), Php800 for HCS members in good standing and Php300 for undergraduate students with ID.

Register now for heritage conservation and cultural tourism conferences this November!

There will be two heritage events organized by ICOMOS Philippines and the Heritage Conservation Society this November. I highly encourage everyone to attend both events

ICOMOS ICTC International Conference on Cultural Tourism
The International Conference on Cultural Tourism will be held in the City of Vigan, Philippines from November 7-8, 2012. The event is organized by ICOMOS Philippines and the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC). Vigan as venue for the conference is most apt as it is an example of a World Heritage Site as an emerging tourism destination.

Through this event, expert members of ICTC, ICOMOS Philippines and representatives from developing countries of Asia and the Pacific will establish association with national and local officials, government cultural agencies, tourism policy makers and stakeholders, cultural workers, educators and students to discuss present day issues on tourism and heritage. The benefits of community participation in conservation and cultural tourism programs as an essential aspect of cultural tourism and the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention will become the underlying themes of the conference.

For registration to the conference, e-mail vigan2012@icomosphilippines.com. Note that seats are limited. Participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Payment of conference fee confirms your slot. Conference fees: Professional (Php3,500 inclusive of lunch on both days, conference kits) and Undergraduate Student (Php600 inclusive of packed lunch on both days, conference kits). Check out the Facebook event page. Here is the list of conference papers as of August 27, 2012.

Heritage Conservation Summit 2012: Economics of Heritage
After six successful years of organizing the Philippine Towns and Cities Conference, the Heritage Conservation Society now brings you the Heritage Conservation Summit 2012 on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in Batangas City.

Heritage advocates, cultural workers and government agencies will gather in Batangas City for the Heritage Conservation Summit 2012. This year's theme is the Economics of Heritage where discussions will revolve on how to make heritage conservation economically viable and sustainable.

For registration to the conference, e-mail hcs_secretariat@yahoo.com. Conference fees: Professional (Php1,000) and Undergraduate Student (Php300). Check out the Facebook event page.

S.O.S Manila Bay: Save our sunset! No to the reclamation of Manila Bay!

Below is an online petition drafted by a group of concerned citizens, several of whom were part of the original group that opposed the same reclamation of Manila Bay proposed in 1992. Let us work together to stop moves for reclamation again.

Sunset on Manila Bay is a spectacular experience, and is free for all to enjoy. But not for long, if developers have their way.

In 1992, a group called “Manila Goldcoast Development Corp.” lobbied for approval to reclaim the entire Manila Bay waterfront along Roxas Boulevard, between the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the US Embassy. This scheme was challenged by citizens, who fought to preserve the last remaining access to the bay along Manila's historical district. The citizens won. The Manila City Council passed City Ordinance No. 7777, prohibiting reclamation in this area.

However, Goldcoast was, tragically, able to get City Ordinance No. 7777 repealed. In February 2011, City Ordinance No. 8233 reversed the prohibition. A consortium agreement was signed in April 2012 to reclaim the same waterfront along Roxas Boulevard, about 288 hectares of land, even swallowing up the Manila Yacht Club and the Philippine Navy Headquarters.

In addition to blocking the view of the sunset from Malate and Ermita, the reclamation will worsen floods, extinguish the tourism area along Roxas Boulevard, destroy the potential of our historic Intramuros, remove 20 vital anchorage berths for ships and most of all, take away from us a waterfront we all love.

No aspect of this scheme will improve the City of Manila in any discernible way — it is all for the profit of a few individuals.

We must act to protest this reclamation and prevent further destruction and loss of our heritage. We will stop them again.

Sign the petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/s-o-s-manila-bay-save-our-sunset-stop-the-reclamation-of-manila-bay
More information in the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/savemanilabay

Remember the Jai Alai!

In a few days from now, we will remember a day that has lived in infamy in the city of Manila. It was on July 15, 2000 that Mayor Lito Atienza ordered the demolition of one of the finest Art Deco buildings in Asia, the Jai Alai Building. Twelve years after, heritage advocates still remember this painful episode, but have been steadfast in the fight to preserve what is left of our country's heritage as a result.

We should not demolish significant heritage structures because it will destroy the character of our cities. And that is tantamount to erasing our own nation's soul.

Let's all remember the Jai Alai! Let's learn from the lessons of history and ensure that we continue to pass on our heritage to future generations of Filipinos!

Read more about the Jai Alai demolition from an old Asiaweek article The Game's Over: A link with the past goes as Manila's Jai Alai stadium is torn down.

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras removed from List of World Heritage in Danger!

The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras is officially removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger at the 36th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Saint Petersburg, Russia! This good news was texted to me by Archt. Joy Mananghaya of the UNESCO National Commission (UNACOM) who is currently at the meeting.

According to UNESCO, "The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Philippines) was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1995 as an outstanding cultural landscape that evolved over two millennia. It was placed on the Danger List in 2001 because of threats to its essential values which required the development of better management and planning. The Philippines sought danger listing as a way to raise national and international support and cooperation in the preservation of these remote high rice fields maintained thanks to the transmission of traditional knowledge from one generation to the next."

In his e-mail to me, ICOMOS Philippines President Archt. Augusto Villalon said, "All committee members were effusive in their compliments of the great work done by us for the terraces. We are the new examples for community based heritage conservation success!"


Congratulations to the Philippines and most especially to the Ifugao community who have worked so hard to remove the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras from the List of World Heritage in Danger! Congratulations as well to UNACOM and ICOMOS Philippines for the great work that was done!

But the work to conserve the rice terraces does not end there. We should continue to be vigilant and join in the efforts to safeguard the site. Removal from the list does not mean it is no longer in danger. One reason for the removal is that we have complied with the difficult process of producing infrastructure guidelines and cartographic maps. It is important to understand the context of the removal. It recognizes that we are moving towards the right direction, eleven years after it was first included in the danger list in 2001. And this is the good news we celebrate today!

Letter to Mayor Alfredo S. Lim on Manila's continuous violations of Heritage Law

529 Elcano Street (Photo by Ivan Man Dy)

18 May 2012

Hon. Alfredo S. Lim
Mayor
City of Manila

Dear Mayor Lim:

A meaningful National Heritage Month to you and the City of Manila!

It has come to our attention that heritage houses in Binondo (three shop houses in one house at 529 Elcano Street; and another at the corner of Jaboneros and Camba Streets) are being demolished. Aside from being built during the Spanish colonial period and surviving the Second World War, the details of the said houses may be architecturally significant. This adds to the long list of demolitions in the City of Manila just in the first half of the year, most significant of which are the Meralco Building and Laperal Apartments, and the news of the planned demolition of the GSIS Headquarters right next to Manila City Hall.

We would like to remind your good office of Republic Act No. 10066 - National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. Section 5 states that modification or demolition of properties at least 50 years and older need the consent of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). That means that this year, buildings built in 1962 or earlier are protected by the law and that the NCCA needs to evaluate its significance first before a permit is granted, if ever it is granted.

Obviously, buildings built during the Spanish and American colonial periods are covered by this law. And it is bewildering how your local building official has been issuing these permits for prewar heritage without the written approval of the NCCA. As we all know, "Ignorance of the law excuses no one." Or as the good mayor puts it, “The law applies to all, otherwise, none at all!” In Manila's case, looks like it's none at all.

There is a process that must be followed before a demolition permit is granted. This process is in place to help protect the last remaining significant heritage structures in our nation's capital.

Section 48 of the law provides that whoever intentionally destroys, demolishes, mutilates or damages a heritage building (that includes buildings 50 years or older) or modifies, alters, or destroys the original features of or undertakes construction or real state development in any site protected by the NHCP, shall be, upon conviction, "subject to a fine of not less than P200,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not less than ten (10) years, or both upon the discretion of the Court." It provides further that "if the violation is committed by a juridical person, the president, manager, representative, director, agent or employee of said juridical person responsible for the act shall also be liable for the penalties provided."

It further states, "Heads of departments, commissions, bureaus, agencies or offices, officers and/or agents found to have intentionally failed to perform their required duty as prescribed by the deputization order under Section 28 of this Act shall be liable for nonfeasance and shall be penalized in accordance with applicable laws."

Here is a link to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA10066 to guide you in its implementation: http://www.ncca.gov.ph/downloads/IRR-heritage.pdf

We hope that the demolition of these houses are halted immediately before any more damage is done to them.

Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Ivan Anthony S. Henares
Vice President
Heritage Conservation Society

Save the El Hogar Building!
Early last week, a meeting took place at the NHCP, or National Historical Commission of the Philippines, to listen to a presentation for proposed plans for El Hogar. The scheme involves demolishing the building and replacing it with a high rise, sporting street-level arches "reminiscent of El Hogar." The panel convened by NHCP rejected the proposal. (Archt. Dom Galicia)

Save the old GSIS Headquarters!

Here we go again! News is circulating that the GSIS Building, built between 1952 and 1954, is set for demolition. Time to bang on the doors of Manila City Hall for them to implement the law!

Update (07/25/2012): The GSIS Building will be incorporated with the new Hall of Justice of the Supreme Court. We thank the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Supreme Court for this development.

Update (07/11/2012): We just received information that engineers from Manila City Hall had written the owner of the GSIS Building ordering its demolition. In a few days, we remember the Jai Alai tragedy. We should not let it happen again! Archt. Dominic Galicia informed us, "Reliable reports say that there are renewed and very serious pressures to demolish the old GSIS headquarters building behind Manila City Hall. Only the attention of media and the general public can save it, by reminding Manila City Hall that the Heritage Law, Republic Act 10066, protects this beautiful landmark."

Former GSIS Headquarters (Photo from Paulo Alcazaren)

Here is an appeal from Archt. Dom Galicia of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) and ICOMOS Committee on 20th Century Heritage:

We are hearing reports that Manila City Hall has given the OK to demolish the old GSIS Headquarters building on Arroceros Street designed by Federico Ilustre. The Heritage Law states that it would be a crime to demolish a structure of this vintage, which is older than 50 years, without permission from the NCCA. Considering the cultural value of this structure, that permission is not likely to be forthcoming. See the attached photo from Paulo Alcazaren's archive.

It's abandoned and needing repair, but still a beautiful, elegant and intelligent response to climate and site, eminently suitable via adaptive reuse for whatever new purpose comes to bear.

On the heels of February's demolition of the old Meralco Building on San Marcelino and, soon after, the Laperal Building on Claro M. Recto, this first half of 2012 could live in patrimonial infamy, in spite of all the strides being made with Manila Central Post Office and Escolta.

Please write Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim at mayorlim@manila.gov.ph. Let him know that the old GSIS Building can be saved via adaptive reuse. It is also important that you cc: your email to hcs_secretariat@yahoo.com. HCS will help make sure that the Mayor sees your message.

Remember the Jai Alai!

HCS members checked Wikimapia. And lo and behold, the GSIS Building is labeled as SM Manila's Annex!

Note: We have yet to confirm who has plans for the property. We were told that the owner as of early last year was the Supreme Court. They had swapped the Jai Alai property with the GSIS Building and that they plan to build their Hall of Justice. Isn't it ironic if another heritage building is torn down for the same purpose?

Another piece of information comes from Wikimapia and that it will allegedly become an annex of SM Manila. If the GSIS Building is torn down to make way for another SM building, that will add to their crimes against heritage which includes the demolition of the San Lazaro Hippodrome (now SM San Lazaro), YMCA (now SM Manila), Pines Hotel (now SM Baguio) and the many pine trees they massacred to build the mall, Emilio Aguinaldo College (now SaveMore Sta. Ana) and the Benguet Building of National Artist Leandro Locsin among many others.

More photos of the GSIS Building in SkyscraperCity.