Displaying unity for heritage conservation, aspiring professionals in architecture, design, and the arts from different colleges and offices of the University of Northern Philippines convened for the Vigan Heritage Heroes Seminar at the National Museum Ilocos on February 21, 2025.

Organized by Junior Chamber International-Vigan (JCI-Vigan) and National Museum Ilocos, the initiative was supported by the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) through the College of Architecture (CArch), College of Fine Arts & Design (CFAD), and Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), along with student organizations, Student Council (SC), College of Architecture Atelier Council (CAAC), and Atelier Original (AO). Also collaborating in the event were the United Architects of the Philippines Ylocos-Vigan (UAP-YV) and United Architects of the Philippines Ilocos Ciudad Fernandina (UAP-ICF).

Present on the event were Vigan City Councilor Janina Carine Medina-Fariñas, a JCI-Vigan President, with Mr. Paolo Chan, Head of National Museum Ilocos, and IDr. Loius Pe Benito, JCI project head.

The seminar featured expert discussions on heritage conservation, including an in-depth presentation on the Vigan Conservation Code by Ar. Christian Nico Pilotin, Vigan City Planning Officer and UAP-ICF member, and a lecture on Built Heritage Conservation and Protection by Mr. John Brian De Asis, Museum Researcher II at the National Museum of the Philippines.

Participants also joined “Steps Through Time”, a heritage walk led by members of Urban Sketchers Manila.

Through lectures, discussions, and on-site sketching, Vigan Heritage Heroes reinforced the importance of safeguarding Vigan’s cultural heritage.

Article by Charles Angelo Andrada, Photo from The Façade.