Preservation and conservation of cultural heritage are critical aspects in ensuring the continuity and appreciation of our shared history and identity. The collaborative project between the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the UNP College of Architecture represents a commendable effort towards this cause. More specifically, the forum held at the Tadena Hall on March 12, 2024 highlighted best practices in heritage conservation and disaster risk management.

Vigan, with its well-preserved ancestral houses and rich historical significance, serves as a prime example of tangible cultural heritage that must be safeguarded for future generations. By documenting and celebrating the architectural legacy of the region, the project not only highlights the unique beauty and craftsmanship of Vigan’s structures but also sheds light on the cultural practices and societal values embedded within them.

The Knowledge Sharing on Notable Practices in Heritage Conservation and Disaster Risk Management featured lectures on heritage preservation and the result of the fieldwork of HKU and UNP faculty and students on the documentation of 15 historical landmarks damaged by the July 27, 2022 earthquake.

The event also nurtured cross-cultural dialogue among the participating institutions, namely: the University of Northern Philippines, the University of Hong Kong, UNESCO Jakarta, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites Philippines, Inc. (ICOMOS Philippines).

Dr. Fatima Nicetas R. Alonzo, Dean of the UNP College of Architecture, expressed her gratitude since an international mindset and new learning experiences materialize through friends from nearby countries.

 “At the end of the day, we go home enriched, we go home insightful, and we go home with a passion to pursue heritage conservation in an exemplary way,” she emphasized.

Dr. Linda Shetabi, Director of HKU’s MSc Conservation program, also said that the event is a celebration of friendship and collaboration. She added that the passion for heritage brought together the participants.

Dr. Moe Chuba, Head of the Culture Unit of UNESCO’s office in Jakarta, highlighted that protecting a building is not only about protecting the bricks and stones but also determining root causes of damage. Hence, heritage preservation is a multifaceted endeavor. Also, the number of tourists that visit a heritage site may pose problems.

“True power lies not in the knowledge itself but in our willingness to share. When we share knowledge, we empower others, foster collaboration, and drive collective skills,” Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, Chair and President of ICOMOS Philippines, said in his message.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, stressed that “Culture preservation lies at the heart of our University’s conservation efforts. UNP’s commitment to honoring our cultural identity through architectural preservation not only safeguards the tangible heritage we now have, but also creates a sense of pride and belonging amongst our fellow Ilocos Surians.”

“When we actively engage the community in heritage conservation initiatives, we ensure that the cultural legacy remains vibrant and relevant,” he added.

The lectures followed. Dr. Fatima Nicetas R. Alonzo lectured on the evolution of conservation works and practices in the Heritage City of Vigan.

Ms. Maria Lourdes I. Ingel, administrative officer of the National Museum of the Philippines-Ilocos, shared local perspectives on the World Heritage status of Vigan and related challenges in the “heritage as development tool” model.

“The 7Ms of Documentation in Timber Built Heritage Conservation” was also discussed by Dr. Cheek S. Fadriquela, President of ICOMOS Philippines.

Meanwhile, the focus of the lecture of Ar. Kenneth Javier Tua (Project Director of the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF) and Vice President of ICOMOS Philippines) is on the Heritage Disaster Risk Management (HDRM) Plan for Vigan City.

Dr. Shetabi’s lecture is a comparative analysis of heritage conservation in the digital age with a focus on Hong Kong, Singapore, and Glasgow. Together with Dr. Shetabi is Ms. Michelle Chelsea Ho, teaching assistant at the University of Hong Kong. She shared her work on the conservation practices in Yung Shue Au, a rural village in Hong Kong.

The forum proved to be a productive cross-cultural experience as the participants learned about sustainable conservation practices that balance the need for development with the imperative of preserving cultural identity. By integrating modern research techniques and traditional knowledge, the project demonstrates innovative approaches to heritage conservation that respect local communities and their histories.

Article by Rocelle Villanueva. Photo by Joel Tipon.