The UNESCO National Workshop for World Heritage Site Managers was conducted in Vigan City to create a meaningful atmosphere for participants and allow them to see and experience first hand the complexity on heritage conservation from October 4-8 as a follow up to the 2nd cycle of Periodic Reporting Exercises held in China last April 19-24. The workshop aimed to train site managers in the preparation of the Statements of Outstanding Universal Value ( SOUV) and Cartographic Information ( Retrospective Information) that define and delineate standards of WH Properties as well as responding to Periodic Reporting Questionnaires for the updating of information of world-heritage properties. It was able to substantially meet its objectives in producing the baseline information on the SOUV and initial inputs for the Periodic Reporting which will be verified and validated by site managers and the Focal Point for World Heritage Concerns in time for the deadline of submission in 2011.
During the opening ceremonies on October 4, Mayor Eva graciously welcomed the participants and resource speakers and thanked the UNESCO National Commission for choosing Vigan as the venue for the workshop. She also gave a presentation that detailed the process of conserving the city’s heritage as a major tool for development.
World Heritage Centre Culture Mentor Dr. Richard Engelhardt, UNESCO Bangkok Periodic Reporting Expert Engr. Ricardo Favis and UNESCO National Focal Point for World Heritage Concerns Architect Jocelyn Mananghaya were the resource speakers.
Participants of the workshop were Mr. Renato Patacsil and Ms. Jocelyn Cayong (Rice terraces of the Cordilleras), Dr. Theresa Aquino and Ms. Mary Grace Barbers (Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park), Mr. James Albert Mendoza and Ms. Jackie Lou Wenceslao (Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park), Fr. Virgilio Cabacang (Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur Asuncion de la Nuestra Señora Church), Fr. Alejandro Esperancilla and Mr. Michael Caling (Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church/ Jaro, Iloilo), Ms. Louella Revilla (San Agustin Church/Intramuros), Fr. Emyjohn Domingo (San Agustin Church/Paoay Ilocos Norte), Architect Rajelyn Busmente (NCCA Subcommission for Cultural Heritage), Architect Arnulfo Dado (National Museum), Architect Veronica Dado (National Historical Commission of the Philippines), Fr. Milan Ted Torralba (CBCP Committee for Cultural Heritage of the Church), SP Ramonito Imperial (Protected Landscapes and Seascapes of Batanes), Ms. Dolores Valdesco and Ruel Colong (Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary), Deputy Executive Director II Jeanette Tuason, Development Management Officer III Gay Alfred Blanco, Project Assistant Mavic Punay, Administrative Officer II Marlon de los Santos and Administrative Assistant I Jo Escueta (UNACOM) and Mr. Edgar dela Cruz, Mr. Edred Piamonte, Mr. Caesar Asperilla, Ms. Jo-Anne Gutierrez and Architect Arnold Anicas (Historic Town of Vigan).//jo-anne