SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has conducted a five-day training on Conservation of Moveable and Immovable Cultural Property ( CMMCP) in the province of Siquijor.
Held on Aug. 5 to 9, the training was in support of the 2024 National History celebration with the theme “Salaysay ng Bayan, Saysay ng Bansa.”
NHCP is the government agency responsible for the promotion and preservation of the historical heritage of the Philippines and manages various historical sites, landmarks, and museums across the country and undertakes research, conservation, and education programs to enhance public awareness of Philippine history.
The project aims to promote public awareness of Siquijor’s unique past, involve the community in heritage conservation, and protect and restore the province’s historical sites, one of which is the Lazi Convent.
The Lazi Convent is the oldest and biggest convent in the Philippines known for its impressive architecture with a large stone base, wooden upper floor, and preserved artifacts that provide a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.
The training also discussed the introduction of Agents of Deterioration, Building Community Museum Theory, Overview in Architectural Conservation, Conservation Documentation Theory, Museum and Conditions Assessment , Cataloging Exercises, Identification, Building Community Museum, and Recognition and Conservation of Heritage Sites and Structures.
Among the programs highlighted during the training are the importance of heritage documentation, as well as the proper handling, assessment, evacuation, and storage of cultural heritage during times of disasters.
Participants were taught about the methods of conserving both movable and immovable heritage, such as the preservation of textiles, wood and polychrome, paintings, metal, paper and related materials, bookbinding, and stone conservation.
Siquijor provincial chief of staff and tourism officer- in-charge, Atty. Dale Louis Tudtud, stressed that the community and authorities should prioritize preserving the unique aspects that define the island’s identity, cultural, and historical legacy.
“We need to make sure that the island does not face globalization in the face of modernization as more tourists come, and preserve that cultural identity that sets us apart,” said Tudtod.
“Hopefully this lesson will help us preserve our culture and we must never forget where we come from even in advancement and progress,” he added.
The Vicariate of Siquijor Episcopal Vicar and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Priest, Rev. Msgr. Candelario O. Catubig, said individuals should have a sense of responsibility to maintain and cherish the cultural and historical heritage that has defined the community.
“Atong tahas is to look at the past, not just to look at, but to conserve, preserve, and to restore aron mahinumduman nato ang atong mga katigulangan nga maoy nag-ugmad sa tanan nga nangagi diri sa atong lugar,” said Catubig.
(Our task is to look at the past, not just to observe it, but to conserve, preserve, and restore it so that we can remember our ancestors who developed everything that has happened here in our place.) (CAG/PIA7 Siquijor)
