PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE
As the Organization of World Heritage Cities was created on 8 of September, it was decided, as a commemoration of thus flagship event, that it will be declared as "Solidarity Day of World Heritage Cities".
Established in 1993, the Solidarity Day of World Heritage Cities is a unique opportunity to put heritage issues on the agenda and to express solidarity with World Heritage Cities. With this celebration, we are shining the spotlight not only the OWHC but also on the importance of being able to benefit from strong and present heritage cities.
In this special day is actually commemorated with week-long festivities aimed at strenghtening pride in the history and culture of Vigan. This aim is in keeping with the long-term goal of preserving the 630 heritage structure that date back from 18th and 19th century. Vigan's well-preserved Spanish trading town environment has survived the test of time.
Heritage preservation should not necessarily be seen as as a stumbling block to promote a progressive future.
Likewise, people and groups advocating for heritage preservation should also keep in mind that progressive development is possible even as we continue to protect and promote heritage.
Thirty years ago, Vigan seemed like a place stuck in the past. It was decaying city of damaged, rundown structures that if nobody took notice of what can be done to revive its lost glory would have succumbed to irrelevance. But with the local government and its people deciding that the best way to promote a culture of progress is to preserve the remnants of its historic past, they committed themselves and their resources to ensure that Vigan would become a successful collaborative heritage development initiative. When they finally had the resources for restoration efforts, they found a way to fuel tourism and raise property values in the area by showcasing the genuine beauty of Vigan during the Spanish occupation.
Heritage conservation plays a major role in helping define the identity we proudly showcase today by reminding people how prosperous our past has been. Our built heritage is evidence of our political history and socio-economic development, ultimately mirroring our shared vales, and the excellence and creativity of the Filipinos. Protecting this should be a priority for the Philippines, given it rich history and very engaged community of stakeholderes that promise all-out support to initiatives done the right way.
In this special day is actually commemorated with week-long festivities aimed at strenghtening pride in the history and culture of Vigan. This aim is in keeping with the long-term goal of preserving the 630 heritage structure that date back from 18th and 19th century. Vigan's well-preserved Spanish trading town environment has survived the test of time.
Heritage preservation should not necessarily be seen as as a stumbling block to promote a progressive future.
Likewise, people and groups advocating for heritage preservation should also keep in mind that progressive development is possible even as we continue to protect and promote heritage.
Thirty years ago, Vigan seemed like a place stuck in the past. It was decaying city of damaged, rundown structures that if nobody took notice of what can be done to revive its lost glory would have succumbed to irrelevance. But with the local government and its people deciding that the best way to promote a culture of progress is to preserve the remnants of its historic past, they committed themselves and their resources to ensure that Vigan would become a successful collaborative heritage development initiative. When they finally had the resources for restoration efforts, they found a way to fuel tourism and raise property values in the area by showcasing the genuine beauty of Vigan during the Spanish occupation.
Heritage conservation plays a major role in helping define the identity we proudly showcase today by reminding people how prosperous our past has been. Our built heritage is evidence of our political history and socio-economic development, ultimately mirroring our shared vales, and the excellence and creativity of the Filipinos. Protecting this should be a priority for the Philippines, given it rich history and very engaged community of stakeholderes that promise all-out support to initiatives done the right way.
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