4 March 2015 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the National Museum co-organized a Workshop on the Philippine Boat Culture from March 02 to 03 at the National Gallery, National Museum, Manila.

The Seminar-Workshop, which gathered over 120 scholars, historians, educators, students, government and community workers, featured interactive presentations from boat-builders from Batanes, Negros Oriental, Manobo and Sama Tawi-Tawi. These boat-builders represent communities that preserve and continue the traditions of building the tataya, casco, balanghai, baroto, kumpit and other traditional Philippine boat forms across the archipelago.

The workshop discussed current scholarship and practices of communities across the country, which attest to the knowledge by early Filipinos of boat-building and navigation and the rich maritime history of the Philippines.

In his keynote speech, DFA Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia emphasized that “Philippine boat building traditions symbolize the ancient maritime heritage of Filipinos” and that “seafaring and pioneering spirit of the early Filipinos represent our deep relationship with the sea.”

The roster of speakers was composed of specialists on boat-building and Philippine maritime history, including Dr. MJ Louis A. Bolunia, Dr. Bernadette Abrera, Mr. Rey Santiago, Professor Jesus Federico Hernandez and Dr. Ma. Teresa De Guzman and National Museum Director Jeremy Barns. Mr. Ric Favis of UNESCO-Bangkok and UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) Commissioner for Culture Eric Cerrudo explained the role of UNESCO and the UNACOM and the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage. END