The UST Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET), in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, hosted the Heritage Forum “Considerations on Nomination of Places of Religion and Ritual to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites” from August 5 to 7, 2024. The forum was attended by the esteemed members of the Association of Religious Church Heritage (ARCH), an organization established in 2023, during the gathering of church world heritage experts to assist South Korea in its bid for the UNESCO World Heritage nomination of Mission Churches.
Prior to the actual day of the conference, a special tour of the San Agustin Church was conducted by Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, Chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
With sessions held in Cagayan de Oro on August 5-6, participants had the unique opportunity to explore the Opol Ruins, Our Lady of Candelaria Chapel, Talisayan Church, Balingasag Old House, Jasaan Ruins and Church, among other sites. During this time, Prof. Ayako Fukushima of Kyushu University, Matthieu Masson from the Diocese of Hong Kong, and Dr. Eric Zerudo, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, shared their expertise in a presentation centering on catholic church world heritage sites, nominations, and conservation approaches.
On August 7, another forum continued at the UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management-Sentro Turismo. On this day, additional presentations, including “Updates on the Case of Naepo Church: Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nominations” by Fr. Kim Sungtae, Director of Naepo Church History Institution of Daejeon Diocese, “Status of Church Heritage in the Philippines” by Fr. Milan Ted D. Torralba, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church (CBCP-ECCHC), “Rebuilding Sto. Domingo: Contexts and Goals in Post-War Philippines” by Rev. Mervin Lomague, Member of the Dominican Province of the Philippines Cultural Heritage Committee, and the “Status of Boljoon Church on its Bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination” by Fr. Brian Brigoli, Chair of the Archdiocese of Cebu Commission on Church Heritage were shared with the group. The open forum was facilitated by Dr. Zerrudo.
Apart from ARCH members, they are joined by representatives from the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, National Historical Commissions of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and ICOMOS Philippines. Their presence was acknowledged by Ms. Beverly Bautista, Officer-in-Charge of USTGS-CCCPET. Dr. Lilian J. Sison, Director of UST Office for International Relations and Programs and Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, Dean of the UST Graduate School were also present during the event.
The event concluded with a tour of Santo Domingo Church and San Sebastian Church for the ARCH members. The Heritage Forum, with its diverse and comprehensive range of presentations and discussions, provided valuable insights and recommendations for preserving church heritage. The robust network established during the event will continue to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among international and local heritage specialists and practitioners.
