Far Eastern University

Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management

Challenges in Preserving and Conserving Heritage Attraction: A Case of Bantay

Bell Tower Vigan Ilocos Sur

Chapter I

This chapter will give a general overview of the chosen topic and explain the context of

the research. The background information of the Bantay Bell Tower will be provided, along with

the issues that need in-depth analysis and investigation. The study's overall aims and

significance, as well as several relevant literature, will also be presented.

1.1 Introduction

The tourism industry is one of the fastest expanding industries in many countries,

particularly the Philippines. Several studies have shown that tourism infrastructure is any facility

that allows the economy to work as smoothly as possible in order to help individuals or tourists

meet their needs which can also help improve the tourism industry. According to previous

research, the infrastructure program intends to improve tourism business possibilities by boosting

visitor experiences, inhabitants' living standards, and job opportunities. (Bi et al., 2020) In the

Philippines, tourism infrastructure is one of the most essential factors that makes the attractions

more appealing to diverse types of travelers. In order to have a healthy atmosphere and a
consistent number of visitors to a given destination, the government in that location is in charge

of protecting and conserving a specific tourism infrastructure.

Historical places are one of the key reasons for both local and international visitors to

visit an attraction. It is a rich source of meaningful information because people use public places

on a regular basis and hence have an intimate understanding of these areas founded on

experience, memory, and emotion. (Boudiaf, 2019) One of the most well-known tourist

destinations in the Philippines featuring historic places is Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. According to

UNESCO, Vigan is Asia's best-preserved example of a Spanish colonial town founded in the

16th century. Its architecture depicts the blending of cultural aspects from other parts of the

Philippines, from China, and from Europe, creating a townscape that are unparalleled in East and

Southeast Asia. Tourism infrastructure is very critical in Vigan city because it is noteworthy that

it has preserved a significant portion of its Hispanic colonial character. The heritage village of

Vigan has always drawn interest from tourists. Grid street layout, historical urban planning, and

use of open spaces have all been maintained, keeping the authenticity of Vigan.

After so many decades, Filipinos still do not comprehend how terrible and horrific what

occurred in Vigan during World War II was. Of how significant and meaningful those structures

were still standing after the war's huge damage. One of the historical infrastructures in Vigan

City is the Bantay Bell Tower which survived during the war and still is an attraction during this

time. The Bantay Bell Tower formerly the St. Augustine Parish Church's belfry also acts as a

watchtower to keep pirates at bay. It is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vigan

City due to its distinctive architectural characteristics and history.

for metropolitan areas to be devoid of heritage materials and significant links to the past.

Unfortunately, because Vigan city was not raised in an environment surrounded by heritage

structures, it regards ancient buildings and other symbols of history as trash that must be

removed. The relationship between the historical region and environmental quality is

characterized by a dynamic feedback system. Historical infrastructures may be viewed as a

magnet for tourist growth, which in turn may be utilized to highlight the environment's quality

and recreational places. (Boudiaf, 2019) This demonstrates that historic infrastructures like the

Bantay bell tower plays a significant role in Vigan city's tourism economy.

1.2 Background of the Study

The name "Bantay" comes from the fact that the Bantay Bell Tower was once the belfry

of St. Augustine Parish Church, one of the oldest in the Ilocos area and founded in 1590. It also

acted as a watchtower against invading pirates during the Spanish era. Bantay, translated from

Filipino means to guard. The actual bell tower was constructed in 1591–1592. From there, the

Municipality of Bantay, Ilocos Sur, got its name. The church and the Bantay Municipal complex

are close to the top of a hill where the Bantay Tower is situated. The aforementioned bell tower

is situated on a knoll close to Bantay Church, a short distance from Vigan City. When it was

filmed in 1981, the belfry appeared practically exactly the same as it does now. Without the steps

leading up to its door, the building is made of flaming orange brick that is somewhat decaying.

The tower is situated some distance away from the main church, much like its counterpart in

Vigan City. In actuality, it is quite a distance—about 60 meters. With its symmetrical bricked

façade and pseudo-Romanesque/Neo-Gothic appearance, the Bantay bell tower is quite

withstood the test of time. It was built by the Augustinians sixteen years after the Vigan

Cathedral, and like most cathedrals from the Philippine Colonial Period, it has experienced its

share of setbacks. The original construction, made of aged bricks and limestone, is still present

but has undergone considerable restoration and received some concrete reinforcement. Bantay

bell tower is so old that it has engaged challenges to preserve and conserve this heritage

attraction.

The researchers found the top challenges when preserving the building of cultural heritages.

Cultural heritage building preservation presents unique issues. Traditions, values, and culture

that are part of a community and are passed down through the generations are referred to as

heritage. (Doctors, 2021b) Cultural legacy can also be found in objects like artwork,

photographs, and buildings. Contracting in this highly skilled area is both prestigious and

difficult. A common maintenance operation is to replace rotting, old timber with newer, stronger

wood. Integrity is a major concern even if maintaining a building that is a cultural asset takes

time. Cascade Environmental can help when your construction project's environmental integrity

is in jeopardy by handling hazardous materials and debris. The same skills, textures, and designs

that were employed in the original construction are sometimes used by contractors to maintain a

structure. To get the desired result, it naturally takes a little longer than a typical home makeover.

especially if it has deteriorated over a protracted period of time. Finding the proper materials for

upkeep and repairs is one of the challenges in maintaining a historic structure. Due to the unique

nature of the project, finding the appropriate materials is difficult. To ensure safety, the

contractor must take action to restore the structure, preserve its historical context, and keep it in

good condition.
 Our cherished historic structures are under several dangers. The researchers must

determine the biggest hazards to this building, whether they originate from deterioration, a lack

of interest, or a developer's intentions. Any historical building is frequently in danger from

gradual neglect and damage. Upgrading and maintaining older structures to provide

contemporary amenities can be expensive. But no matter which of these threats your historic

structure is facing or a combination of them it can be intimidating and overwhelming. However,

if you are enthusiastic about preserving the history of your town and can gather a group of like-

minded individuals, you can find a way to secure your historic structure. (Doctors, 2021b) The

purpose of this study is to develop a structural model to investigate the challenges in preserving

and conserving the Bantay Bell Tower. Saving a historic building is not easy. People must be

ready before deciding to attempt to save a historic structure. (Srinivas, 2020) The project will

take a long time to complete and involve countless meetings, emails, and phone calls. It can set

you back a few hundred thousand pesos or perhaps more. And ultimately, it's possible that you

won't be able to stop the building from being demolished. But if you are successful, you will be

revitalizing a lovely old structure. Historic structures may be seen all over the place, giving us a

window into the past. It is crucial that we preserve these structures rather than demolish them.

They are difficult to preserve since many of the materials are expensive and difficult to acquire.

Buildings that are a part of our cultural history must be protected. Next generations will benefit

from your gift of history, education, and culture. You will safeguard a piece of history while

advancing the future of your community.

1.3 Statement of the problem

currently facing the earthquake, and how they are preserving the cultural heritage.

This study seeks to determine the demographic profile of the respondents who are

concerned and affected in preserving the Bantay Bell Tower. Other respondents are located far-

flung from the location of the tower. Thus, are they affected by the challenges that the Bantay

Bell Tower is experiencing? The researchers also want to investigate how they address those

challenges, and do the government's support in preserving and conserving the Bantay Bell

Tower. Lastly, what are the factors that influence the conservation process of the Bantay Bell

Tower?

1.4 Theoretical Framework

Figure 1

Bantay Bell Tower in Vigan Ilocos Norte is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.

It was built in 1591 and served as the town’s watch tower before it was transformed into a bell
tower. Because of its history and beauty, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions

not only in Vigan but in the whole province of Ilocos.

In this paper, the importance of the Bantay Bell Tower not only as a destination but also

as an important part of our history and culture will be further investigated and elaborated, giving

importance to the destination's preservation and conservation challenges. The researchers will

also explain the importance of this study in our modern life today. In doing so, the researchers

aim to identify everyone’s roles in making preservation and conservation success to keep the

historical place in good shape.

As the researchers go deeper into the study, policies, steps, and necessary moves to preserve

and conserve a heritage place will be put into place. These steps will be tested and put into action

to find out what will happen if these are to be done. Of course, studies and research will not end

once important details are unearthed. Rather, it will become the beginning of a long process and

cycle. Here is when monitoring and review will take place, these two will make sure that the

policies are up to date and still relevant. If changes are necessary, then they will be made.
1.5 Conceptual Framework

Figure 2

A nation's natural history and cultural heritage are extremely valuable and special. It is a

persona that may be shared with the rest of the world. Because it establishes a complete

framework for the preservation of cultural heritage, which includes historical sites, monuments,

old buildings, shrines, and landmarks, cultural heritage supports our identity as a people. Culture

and its heritage serve to define a people's national identity by reflecting and shaping values,

beliefs, and aspirations. Our cultural legacy must be protected because it upholds our identity as

a people.

Preserving and conserving the Bantay bell Tower in Vigan will be very beneficial to all, not

just the people in Vigan, but for all the people in the Philippines. If the cultural heritage is well

maintained and protected, there are a lot of opportunities waiting for the people in the next
generations. For many people involved in cultural conservation projects, it's important to stay

close to home and do as much good as they can for their communities. These opportunities are

frequently initially presented to those who are poor or on the periphery of society. By providing

people with employment and educational opportunities, history preservation improves

communities and lowers poverty. (Philipp, 2021b)

Tourism is supported and encouraged by cultural heritage protection. One of the key ways

cultural heritage preservation can help a community fight poverty is through heritage tourism. It

frequently strengthens a town's economy and can develop into one of its key industries. While

traveling, a lot of visitors visit cultural landmarks, engage in culturally enriching activities, and

stay longer at these locations.

1.6 Research Objectives

This study’s primary goal was to evaluate the preservation and conservation of the

Bantay Bell Tower in Vigan City, Ilocos sur.

1. To determine the challenges Bantay Bell Tower is experiencing as it goes through

preservation and conservation that would be broadly beneficial for the locals.

2. To evaluate the factors that influence the conservation and preservation of Bantay Bell

Tower.

3. To illustrate the importance of the Bantay Bell Tower’s preservation and its effects on the

local residents

1.7 Significance of the Study

light of the significant issues that the cultural heritage is currently dealing with. The study may

also be helpful for the following reasons:

For the students, this study intends to educate about the need to be concerned and to start

discussions about potential threats to cultural heritage.

For the Local Residents, this study will demonstrate to the locals how crucial it is to

comprehend how to actively participate in protecting heritage, particularly if they live close.

For the Government, this study can help people understand how crucial it is to preserve

and value historic properties. They might consider how beneficial this study is for preserving

other Philippine cultural landmarks.

For the Future Researchers, they will be better able to understand and comprehend the

significance of heritage conservation as a result of this study. This could also serve as a review of

related literature.

1.8 Scope and Limitation

The primary focus of the study is on the challenges associated with preserving and

conserving the Bantay Bell Tower, a historical landmark in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, especially the

opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, one hundred (100) randomly chosen respondents will

get questionnaires from the researchers. Other political, institutional, and unrelated economic

concerns to the subject will not be covered in this study. The results of the evaluation, while still

addressing the study topic, will therefore only be pertinent to the respondents.

1.9 Definitions of Terms

Spanish era.

Cultural Legacy- Cultural traditions from millennia ago that have been passed down through

each generation dictate how our success or failure is influenced by cultural features that have

been inherited.

Cultural Heritage- Physical objects and intangible characteristics of civilization or a reflection of

the lifestyles created by a society that have been passed down from one generation to the next.

Neo Gothic- It is a form of architecture that originated in England in the middle of the 18th

century or comprising a revival or adaption of the Gothic, particularly in literature or

architecture.

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