The Urgency of Protecting Philippine Cultural Heritage from Disappearance

The Urgency of Protecting Philippine Cultural Heritage from Disappearance

The Philippines is a country with a rich cultural heritage, shaped by a diverse range of influences from indigenous traditions to Hispanic colonialism and modern globalization. Sadly, much of this heritage is at risk of disappearing due to various factors such as colonization, urbanization, and neglect. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to take urgent steps towards safeguarding the Philippine cultural heritage for the future generations.

Colonization of the Philippines and the Impact on Cultural Heritage

The Philippines was colonized for more than three centuries by the Spanish empire until the end of the 19th century and thereafter by the Americans. The colonial period has impacted the Philippine culture, heritage, and arts in many ways. The Philippines saw its architectural styles, religious beliefs, practices, and language significantly altered. For example, the colonial powers sponsored architecture that was distinct from that of the indigenous people. Spanish colonial churches and town plazas are admired worldwide until now. The increase in Western influence led to a decline in the appreciation of traditional and indigenous arts and crafts, while spoken languages such as Tagalog and Visayan were replaced by the Spanish language.

Modernization and Urbanization

The rampant construction of shopping malls, high-rise buildings, and other modern structures, has replaced historical and cultural landmarks that have been a significant part of the Philippine heritage. Prominent iconic buildings are demolished to give way to the demand for urbanization and progress, and heritage sites are ignored in a race to modernize.

Neglect and Lack of Preservation Efforts

The Philippine government is responsible for the protection of these cultural assets. However, many sites go overlooked without proper documentation or preservation by responsible agencies. For example, the Taal volcano eruption of 2020 destroyed several ancestral homes that dated back a hundred years or more.

Preserving Philippine Heritage

Efforts must be made to preserve the remaining cultural heritage. Definitive efforts are needed to conserve historical sites, restore old buildings/structures, and promote the attributes of the Philippine culture to visitors and even within the country’s public education system. The burden should not be placed solely on the government, community initiatives, and individual efforts in preserving the Philippine heritage are just as crucial

Conclusion

The Philippine cultural heritage is a valuable asset that needs to be protected from destruction. The cultural sites in the country, thousands of years in the making, express the essence of Filipino identity. The country’s heritage must be protected and preserved for future generations. Efforts should be made to make the preservation of cultural heritage a collective responsibility, in which all Filipinos come together to conserve their legacy.