PH Calls for Stable, Credible System to Safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage
Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Ma. Theresa Lazaro delivers intervention during the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Port Louis, Mauritius. (Paris PE photo)
PARIS 04 December 2018 – The Philippines called for a stable and credible system to safeguard the world’s intangible cultural heritage at the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Port Louis, Mauritius on 26 November 2018.
Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the Philippine delegation to the conference wherein they examined 46 elements for inscription on the Urgent Safeguarding and Representative Lists of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention, including the joint nomination of Traditional Korean Wrestling of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic.
The Committee also discussed ICH in emergencies and measures to enhance international assistance for its safeguarding throughout the world.
In her intervention, Ambassador Lazaro also underscored the need for dialogue between nominating States Parties and the Evaluation Body to enhance transparency and efficiency of the ICH Convention.
She likewise called for increased attention to safeguarding ICH in emergencies, not only in the context of conflicts but also during natural disasters and extreme weather events caused by climate change.
The Philippines currently has three elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity namely the Darangen Epic, Hudhud Chants, and the Punnuk tugging ritual.
Its nomination of Buklog: Thanksgiving for inscription on the list of ICH in Need of Urgent Safeguarding will be examined by the Committee next year.
The 24-member ICH Committee provides guidance on best practices and makes recommendations on measures for the safeguarding of the ICH. The Philippines has been a member of the Committee since 2016 and will serve until 2019. END
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