Misamis oriental: Community members in Northern Mindanao are stepping up as guardians of the nation’s heritage, following the successful conduct of the 14th ‘Conservation Goes to the Province’ program of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
According to Philippines News Agency, the NHCP reported that parish secretaries, museum caretakers, pastoral councils, utility personnel, and parish representatives from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and the province of Camiguin have undergone essential knowledge and skills workshops in preventive conservation and heritage preservation from August 18-22 in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.
The training modules covered a wide range of topics, including the conservation of paper, textiles, wood, metal, and built heritage. Additionally, participants were trained in disaster risk management planning, equipping them with the ability to protect and preserve cultural sites in the event of natural calamities.
Participants engaged in hands-on training on documentation, condition assessment, and basic repairs of historic materials, ensuring they can apply these techniques directly within their communities. This practical approach helps ensure that the skills learned are immediately applicable and beneficial at the local level.
Beyond technical training, the program also fostered deeper appreciation for heritage. Pocket lectures and demonstrations introduced participants to traditional bookbinding, inventory and accessioning of collections, the preservation of religious images, vesting and guidelines for camarero organization, and heritage sketching for youth. These activities were designed to instill a sense of pride and connection to local heritage.
The program also introduced modern approaches, such as non-destructive analytical tools for material identification, bridging local practices with advanced conservation technology. This integration of traditional and modern techniques ensures a comprehensive approach to heritage conservation.
The NHCP expressed gratitude to its local partners, including the Jasaan Parish Restoration and Development Committee, Inc., the Parish of the Immaculate Conception led by Rev. Fr. Elvin Bernard Simene, Mayor Redentor Jardin of Jasaan, and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. These collaborations highlight the importance of community involvement in preserving cultural heritage.
Through ‘Conservation Goes to the Province,’ the NHCP continues to empower Filipinos across the country, proving that heritage preservation is not only the work of experts but also of communities who live closest to history’s treasures.
