In a significant push towards safeguarding cultural heritage, officials gathered in Dumaguete City on Thursday to encourage local government units (LGUs) to find a middle ground between modern development and the preservation of historical sites. The call to action was part of a four-day training session on the preservation and conservation of heritage structures, initiated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Architect Ma. Luisa Valerio from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) emphasized the necessity of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) that weaves conservation into the fabric of urban growth. She advocated for clear policies that would enable LGUs to develop effective preservation strategies, noting that while development must continue, it should be aligned with urban renewal efforts to complement heritage conservation.
Prof. Bernie Arellano III of the University of the Philippines-Diliman highlighted the importance of cultural mapping as a tool to pinpoint structures in need of preservation. He detailed the process, which includes scoping, social preparation, and research, and mentioned that a comprehensive five-day training program is dedicated to this purpose.
Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, NCCA Commissioner for Cultural Heritage, elucidated the differences between restoration and renovation. He explained that restoration aims to return a structure to its original condition, whereas adaptive reuse allows for modernization while maintaining cultural significance.
The training, which commenced on January 23, 2024, in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, attracted participants from various provinces in the Visayas. The event is designed to assist them in formulating their CLUPs and Conservation Management Plans, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of the region is preserved amidst ongoing development.