Philippine Heritage Conservation Society President Launches National Heritage Month with Cultural Donation in Barcelona

Artworks donated by Architect Giuseppe Luigi H. Abcede with Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Consulate personnel with the Abcede and Hernandez family members.

BARCELONA 09 May 2024 - The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona opens the National Heritage Month by welcoming the president of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) of the Philippines, Architect Giuseppe Luigi H. Abcede to the Consulate.  The society’s vision of protecting sites of significance for future generations has been a guiding principle for its cultural endeavors.  The  chairperson emeritus of the HCS is former Secretary of Tourism and National Museum Director Gemma Cruz Araneta.

As part of the Consulate’s cultural diplomacy program, it organized a ceremony for the donation of artworks which Architect Abcede personally made. One of the artworks he generously donated is a canvas print featuring iconic sites from the  historic walled city of Intramuros, symbolizing the enduring cultural bond between the Philippines and Spain.  His artistic endeavors not only celebrate tangible landmarks but also serve as a testament to Philippine cultural heritage.

In his message, Architect Abcede articulates his mission to promote Philippine culture, blending advocacies from both the heritage sector and the construction industry of which he is both a part of.  Through innovative and relevant mediums such as lectures, workshops, designs, infographics and maps he has adapted an  illustrative artistic style that is appealing to the youth sector to ensure the continuity of heritage preservation efforts.

Mr. Abcede’s extensive involvement with organizations such as the Intramuros Administration, the International Council for Monuments and Sites, UNESCO and the DTI, among others, underscores his dedication to preserving Philippine cultural identity.

As a third generation member of a renowned construction management firm with a legacy spanning half a century, Architect Abcede envisions a harmonious balance between heritage preservation and sustainable development.  This principle has been passed on to him by his grandparents and parents who have all left indelible marks in Philippine heritage conservation advocating for strategies that uphold cultural integrity while fostering growth in consonance with the Philippine Green Building Initiative.

Mr. Abcede intimated, “We are bridging the gap by fixing the misunderstanding of ‘heritage vs development.” He added, " I will endeavor to arrive at a proper balance to promote cultural heritage in an economically viable manner while embodying the knowledge and principle passed on to me over two generations.,"

Philippine Consulate General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro  expressed her appreciation to the kind gesture of Architect Abcede as well as his family in taking time to be part of the ceremony. In closing, Consul General Lazaro encouraged Mr. Abcede to continually partner with the Consulate in its programs as it aims to inspire second and third generation Filipinos in Barcelona to embrace their heritage.

As National Heritage Month unfolds, Barcelona PCG remains committed to promoting and preserving Philippine cultural roots in the areas under its jurisdiction.  END

Architect Abcede delivering his inspirational message.

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro delivers her message of appreciation.

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay discussing future projects with Architect Giuseppe H. Abcede and his parents Engineer Dennis E. Abcede, Jr. and Ms. Gem Hernandez-Abcede.

For more information,visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.