16 May 2104 – Dr. Stefano de Caro, Director General of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Special and Ocean Concerns Rafael E. Seguis on May 13 to discuss issues related to the restoration of Philippine heritage sites, most especially those that were damaged during the recent calamities such as the earthquake in Bohol and Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Undersecretary Seguis conveyed the Philippines’ utmost appreciation for ICCROM’s assistance in the aftermath of such calamities.
Prior to Dr. De Caro’s visit, a team comprised of specialists from ICCROM, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) went to Manila and Central Visayas from December 2 to 12 last year to assess the situation and damage caused by the natural disasters, identify immediate needs and emergency safeguarding measures, as well as medium-term interventions needed for rehabilitation and recovery.
Dr. De Caro was accompanied during the call by NCCA Chairperson Felipe M. De Leon whose agency is hosting the former’s visit to the Philippines from May 12 to 18.
After Manila, Dr. De Caro is scheduled to visit Vigan from May 14 to 15 and Bohol from May 16 to 17.
Dr. De Caro and Chairperson De Leon then participated in a roundtable discussion with selected Foreign Affairs officials, namely Ambassador Jose Maria A. Carino, Head of the Cultural Diplomacy Unit;, UNESCO National Commission Secretary General Virgina A. Miralao;, European Affairs Director Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez; and Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination Director Rosario P. Lemque. Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations Director Gonaranao B. Musor moderated the discussion.
ICCROM is Rome-based inter-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage, including monuments and sites. END
