LESSON 2: HERITAGE AS A NEW MODE OF CULTURAL PRODUCTION

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Discuss the concept of Heritage Tourism in the Philippines
2. Develop a Philippine Map of Heritage Locations.
3. Understand the policy and regulations governing culture and heritage.

THE CONCEPT OF HERITAGE TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

The World Heritage Convention defines types of natural, cultural, or mixed properties that
may be inscribed on the World Heritage List. Natural properties are sites of intense beauty that
maintain the environmental balance of a region or of the world, or sites that show a unique
geological origin that was made from the formation of the earth. Cultural properties are man-made
and demonstrate the highest achievements of human thought and creativity. There are also mixed
properties, called "cultural landscapes" on the World Heritage List that combine outstanding
natural and cultural values resulting from constant interaction between people and the natural
environment.
The Philippines has a rich history beginning from its earliest days as one of the busiest
trading posts in South East Asia and later, in the trans-Pacific galleon trade. A period of Spanish
colonization spanning three centuries then made an indelible impression on the country. This
mercurial era, along with the American occupation, played a vital role in shaping the Philippines
and its people. A vivid past has left its mark all over the archipelago in many different forms that
present-day visitors to the country are now discovering.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines

1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park lies in the Saint Paul Mountain Range,
81 kilometers from the center of Puerto Princesa City, but is still within the city boundaries.
The Park is a natural wonder. Its geological
features are unique and the Subterranean River
is said to be among the longest in the world
measuring up to 8.2 kilometers.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of
the few in the world that flow out into the sea from
an inland source. It has been the focus of much
curiosity and scientific investigation. The level of
the freshwater river rises and falls with the tide
up to a point of 4.3 kilometers. Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
Subterranean River National Park consists of
various landforms. The most impressive are the
mountainous limestone plateaus, geologically called karsts that form the rugged landscape
of the Saint Paul Mountain Range with elevations ranging from sea level to a maximumheight
of 1,028 meters.

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2. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Among the world heritage sites in the Philippines, the Rice Terraces of the Philippines
Cordilleras have such a powerful presence that makes them one of the most outstanding
places in the country. Lying high in the Cordillera mountain range, their setting cannot be
replicated anywhere in the lowland tropical landscape of the Philippines – or even anywhere
in the world, for that matter.
Existence in the Cordillera unites man with
nature, and the unparalleled view shows how
man has shaped the landscape to allow him to
grow rice. The sheer majesty of the terraces
communicates uniqueness and strength. Besides
wind and rustling leaves, there is also the
constant sound of water flowing downhill on the
canals that irrigate the terraces. And there is
nobleness in culture and environment expressed
by the timeless tranquility of the terraces. Most
Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao Filipinos regard the terraces as their greatest
national symbol.
3. Historic City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

During the height of the Spanish colonial era in the 18th and 19th centuries, Vigan or
Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan was the third most important city after Manila and Cebu. It was
the center of Spanish colonial power in northern
Luzon. The range of structures along the plazas
and streets reveals the story of the town. Large and
imposing buildings evoke political or religious
power. Grand homes speak of wealth, while others
speak of more modest means. The architectural
ensemble shows that Vigan was the political,
economic, religious, and artistic center of the
region. The town is a living testament to the
Spanish colonial era, a place that exerts a strong
cultural influence to the modern Philippine nation.
More importantly, the architecture of Vigan Plaza Salcedo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
relates the story of the Filipino, of how his constant
exposure to foreign influences endowed him with the ability to adapt foreign ideas and
combine them into a style that is uniquely his own. Vigan Survives as a unique representation
of the adaptation process that the multi-cultural Filipino is so good at.

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4. Church of San Agustin (Paoay Church), Ilocos Norte

The San Agustin Church in Paoay began its construction in 1604 and finally completed n
1710. This is one of the most outstanding "earthquake baroque" structur e in the Philippines
where the primary concern was to design the church for earthquake protection. The coral
stone bell tower, standing at some distance from
the church for earthquake protection, was finished
in the second half of the 18th century. Philippine
bell towers were constructed at a distance fromthe
main church structure to avoid its falling on the
church during earthquakes.
The most outstanding feature of the church is
the phalanx of buttresses that just out
perpendicularly from the sides to strengthen the
walls against earthquake damage. It has the most Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte
massive buttressing in any church in the
Philippines. Fourteen S-shaped buttresses rise in rhythmic cadence from the ground reaching
almost to the roof line. A pyramidal finial triumphantly tops each buttress. The visual impact
of the San Agustin church in Paoay is unforgettable.

5. Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion (Sta. Maria Chur ch), Ilocos Sur

Not following fully the traditional Spanish

urban town plan of situating the church as the
focus of the central town plaza, the location of the
Nuesta Señora De La Asunción church and
convent in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur standing alone
on the crown of a freestanding hill encircled by a
stone retaining wall gives it a citadel appearance.
Its appearance evokes a Mediterranean hill town,
the only example of such in the Philippines.
Sta. Maria Church, Ilocos Sur Built of brick, the church has a monumental
façade. The thick side walls are without
ornamentation, but have delicately carved side entrances which are bolstered regularly by
huge quadrangular buttresses, these are necessary structural reinforcements for earthquake
protection. The power and simplicity of its geometric forms, and its location, make this an
outstanding example of Peripheral Baroque architecture.

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 LESSON 2: HERITAGE AS A NEW MODE OF CULTURAL PRODUCTION

6. Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church (Miag-Ao Church), Iloilo

Built of local yellow-orange sandstone, the large

fortress-church was completed in 1797. The church
withstood typhoons and earthquakes, but it burned
twice: first was during the revolution against Spain
in 1898 and the second was during the Philippine-
American War a few years later.
The church of Santo Tomàs de Villanueva in
Miag-ao is among the best examples in the Miag-Ao Church, Iloilo
Philippines of the "fortress baroque" style. The
church stands on the highest elevation of the town. The squatness of the church, the massive
pair of bell towers and the angled buttresses strengthen its fortress image.
The façade of the church is a Filipino masterpiece. Unknown master carvers incised its
entire surface in the high relief. The sumptuous carving on the facade is probably the pinnacle
of Filipino naïf where local craftsmen abandon all restraint to reinterpret western decorative
styles in the local folk idiom.
7. San Agustin Church, City of Manila

The San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros
in WWII. Built between 1587 and 1606, it is the
oldest church in the Philippines. The massive
facade conceals an ornate interior filled with
objects of great historical and cultural merit. Note
the intricate trompe l’oeil frescos on the vaulted
ceiling. Be sure to check out the tropical cloisters
as well as the slightly shabby gardens out the back.
The present structure is actually the third to
stand on the site and has weathered seven major
earthquakes, as well as the Battle of Manila. It’s an San Agustin Church, Manila

active church and much in demand for weddings

and other ceremonies.
8. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental

Forming a mountain ridge running north-south along

the Pujada Peninsula in the south-eastern part of the
Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mount
Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation
range of 75–1,637 m above sea level and provides
critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species.
The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats
at different elevations, and includes threatened and
Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental
endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are

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found only at Mount Hamiguitan. These include critically endangered trees, plants and the
iconic Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo.
9. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park lies in a

unique position in the center of the Sulu Sea,
and includes the Tubbataha and Jessie
Beazley Reefs. It protects an area of almost
100,000 hectares of high quality marine
habitats containing three atolls and a large
area of deep sea. The property is home to a
great diversity of marine life. Whales, dolphins,
sharks, turtles and Napoleon wrasse are
amongst the key species found here. The reef
ecosystems support over 360 species of coral Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
and almost 700 species of fish. The reserve
also protects one of the few remaining colonies
of breeding seabirds in the region.
The property is located within the Coral Triangle, a global focus for coral biological
diversity. It lies in a unique position in the middle of the Sulu Sea and is one of the Philippines’
oldest ecosystems. It plays a key role in the process of reproduction, dispersal and
colonization by marine organisms in the whole Sulu Sea system, and helps support fisheries
outside its boundaries.

Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines

A Tentative List is an inventory of those properties w hich the country intends to consider for nomination as
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
14. Batanes Protected landscapes and seascapes (1993), 11. Mt. Pulag National Park (2006), Benguet
Batanes 12. Apo Reef Natural Park (2006), Occidental Mindoro
15. The Tabon Cave Complex and all of Lipuun (2006), 13. El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
Palaw an (2006), Palaw an
16. Paleolithic Archaeological Sites in Cagayan Valley 14. Coron Island Natural Biotic Area (2006), Palaw an
(2006), Cagayan 15. Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park (2006), Oriental
17. Kabayan Mummy Burial Caves (2006), Benguet Mindoro
18. Butuan Archeological Sites (2006), Agusan del Norte 16. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and outlying
19. Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension) areas inclusive of the buffer zone (2006), Isabela
(2006) 17. Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (2015),
20. Petroglyphs and Petrographs of the Philippines Palaw an
(2006), Rizal 18. Mayon Volcano Natural Park (MMVNP) (2015),
21. Neolithic Shell Midden Sites in Lal-lo and Gattaran Albay
Municipalities (2006), Isabela 19. Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (2015), Taw i-Taw i
22. Chocolate Hills Natural Monument (2006), Bohol
23. Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (2006), Misamis
Occidental

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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Heritage management in the Philippines is guided by laws and agencies that create
regulations for potentially destructive behaviors such as excavations and demolition. Legislation
pertaining to heritage management consists of Republic Acts and Presidential Decrees.
Natural Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (RA 10066)
An act which established a Philippine Registry of Cultural Property, which was to be
controlled by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. It also gave protection to buildings
that were more than 50 years old. It established categories of cultural property, such as works by
a national artist, archaeological and traditional ethnographic materials, archival material dating to
at least 50 years, and works of national heroes. It created guide lines for anthropological research,
such as a requirement to communicate with the National Museum of the Philippines before
organizations can be allowed to excavate and a requirement to document findings with the
Philippine Registry of Cultural Property. The National Cultural Heritage Act also prohibited acts
such as destroying, modifying, or mutilating any world heritage site and selling or distributing
material that was lost by its rightful owner.
Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160)
An act established to decentralize the decision making process as it pertains to Philippine
land and cultural artifacts. It was an effort to give a voice to communities by appointing local
stakeholders who would collaborate with the national government. It required the nati onal
government to periodically consult with the appointed Local Government Units (LGU) before it
could be allowed to implement any program within its jurisdiction, especially programs with
potential to disrupt or disturb culturally important artifacts in their original state.
General Appropriations Act of 2016 (RA 10717)
An act that added “other heritage school buildings” to the list of things that the department
of education was required to preserve and protect. It also required “prior approval of government
cultural agencies and proper consultation with stakeholders and cultural groups” in order to
demolish cultural properties. These cultural properties included but were not limited to provincial
capitol buildings, city hall, municipal hall, monuments, fountains, parks and plazas, state colleges
and universities, lighthouses, bridges, public hospitals, train stations, museums, public libraries,
stadiums, prisons and government offices. The act also held agencies responsible for structures
such as roads and bridges which impacted heritage conservation when being built.
General Appropriations Act of 2017 (RA 10924)
An act that referred to Republic Act No. 10066 and required agencies mentioned in it
(National Parks Development Committee, Department of Public Works and Highways,
Department of Tourism, and more) to consult with the NCCA before carrying out their
responsibilities. It also called for the protection of built heritage and cultural landscapes, including
but not limited to provincial capitol buildings, city hall, municipal hall, monuments, fountains, parks
and plazas, state colleges and universities, lighthouses, bridges, public hospitals, train stations,
museums, public libraries, stadiums, prisons and government offices. It required approval of
government cultural agencies, the NCCA, and stakeholders, to alter, renovate, or demolish
important cultural properties.

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Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (RA 8371)

An act created to “makes provisions for the promotion and recognition of the rights of
Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples, with a view to preserve their culture,
traditions and institutions and to ensure the equal protection and non -discrimination of members.”
It was intended to recognize, “protect and promote the rights of indige nous cultural
communities/indigenous peoples, creating a national commission on indigenous peoples,
establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.”
Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act (RA 4846)
An act that required that anyone wishing to excavate would obtain written permission from
the Director of the National Museum of the Philippines. It requires archaeologists supervising
excavations to be certified by the Museum and requires archaeologists to catalogue their
excavations and to halt digging when they find any artifacts, because any findings must be
reported to the Museum Director. It required any digging on government or private property to be
carried out by the Museum or a group authorized by the Museum.
Presidential Decree No. 105
A law signed in 1973, "declaring national shrines as sacred places and prohibiting
desecration thereof.” Presidential Decree No. 105 also designated “certain places in the country
as National Shrines because they were the sites of the birth, exile, imprisonment, detention or
death of great and eminent leaders of the nation” and puts pressure on the Philippine government
to protect National Shrines as hallowed places. Convicted violators of Presidential Decree No.
105 are subject to 10 or more years' imprisonment, a fine of 10,000 or more pesos, or both, at the
discretion of the court.
Presidential Decree No. 374
A law signed in 1974, also known as the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection
Act, which created guidelines for the National Museum to follow when processing National
Cultural Treasure. It required that "any cultural property exported or sold locally must be registered
with the National Museum." It defined a National Cultural Treasure as the following ; "a unique
object found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value
which is highly significant and important to the Philippines."
Presidential Decree No. 375
A law that built upon Presidential Decree No. 374 and was also signed in 1974. This law
added the Basilica of Taal, Church of Santa Maria, Barasoin Church, Tirad Pass, Miag-Ao Church,
the battle site of the Battle of Mactan, San Sebastian Church, and the Church of Santo Niño to
the list of National Cultural Treasures.

Presidential Decree No. 1505

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A law signed in 1978 which prohibited “the unauthorized modification, alteration, repair
and destruction of original features of all national shrines, monuments, landmarks and other
important historical edifices." Presidential Decree No. 1505 also made it unlawful to “modify, alter,
repair, or destroy” the natural state of national shrines, landmarks, and other sites deemed
important by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines, without written consent of the chair
of the Institute. Convicted violators of Presidential Decree No. 1505 are subject to anywhere
between 1 and 5 years in prison or a fine between 1,000 and 10,000 pesos.

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Name: Grade:
Year & Section:

ACTIVITY #1
Multiple Choice
Instruction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Mixed Heritage is also known as?
e. Tangible Heritage f. Intangible Heritage
g. Immovable Heritage h. Cultural Landscape
2. Paoay Church, Sta. Maria Church, San Agustin Church, and Miag-Ao Church are of what
architecture?
a. Baroque b. Gothic
c. Neo-Gothic d. Modern
3. Where can you find Tubbataha Reef?
a. West Philippine Sea b. Pacific Ocean
c. Sulu Sea d. Celebes Sea
4. Mt. Hamiguitan is located in which peninsula?
a. Bicol Peninsula b. Pujada Peninsula
c. Zamboanga Peninsula d. Bondoc Peninsula
5. What year was RA 10066 passed?
a. 2006 b. 2007
c. 2008 d. 2009
6. Anyone who wishes to excavate must have a written permission from whom?
a. Secretary of DENR b. Secretary of DOT
c. Director of the National d. Director of PHIVOLCS
Museum
7. Where can you find the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary?
a. Sulu b. Tawi-Tawi
c. Davao Oriental d. Palawan
8. It was the only building that was left intact after the destruction of Intramuros during World
War II.
a. San Agustin Church b. Manila Cathedral
c. Palacio del Gobernador d. Fort Santiago
9. It a unique object found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or
scientific value which is highly significant and important to the Philippines.
a. UNESCO World Heritage Site b. ASEAN Heritage Site
c. National Living Treasure d. National Cultural Treasure
10. An act established to decentralize the decision making process as it pertains to Philippine
land and cultural artifacts.
a. RA 10066 b. RA 7160
c. PD 674 d. PD 675

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 LESSON 2: HERITAGE AS A NEW MODE OF CULTURAL PRODUCTION

Name: Grade:
Year & Section:

ACTIVITY #2
Map Drill
Instructions: Locate the following heritage sites by plotting the answers on the map.
Sta. Maria Mt. Iglit-Baco Northern Sierra Kabayan Burial Apo Reef
Church Madre Natural Caves
Park
Mt. Mayon Miag-Ao Church Chocolate Hills Butuan Banaue Rice
Archaeological Terraces
Sites

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Name: Grade:
Year & Section:

ACTIVITY #3
Essay
Instructions: Write your answer on the space provided.
1. Among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, what will be the best representation of the
Philippines? Why? Choose only 1 site.

2. In your own city/province, what attraction will you nominate as a heritage site? Why? Choose
only 1 site.

3. What is the importance of governmental laws and regulations to preserve the country’s
heritage?

4. What further recommendations will you suggest to the government to protect our natural and
cultural heritage? Why?

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