06 June 2016 - The Philippines won a seat in the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) during the 6th Session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH at UNESCO Headquarters.The Philippines garnered full support from the Asia Pacific (ASPAC) Group for its candidature to the lone seat allocated for ASPAC in the Committee.
Together with the Philippines, Armenia, Austria, Colombia, Cuba, Cyprus, Guatemala, Lebanon, Mauritius, Palestine Senegal and Zambia will now join the other 12 current members of the ICH Committee. The Philippines will serve a four-year term until 2020.
The Intergovernmental Committee provides guidance on best practices and makes recommendations on measures for the safeguarding of the ICH. Like the World Heritage Committee to which the Philippines is also a member, it examines requests submitted by State Parties for the inscription of intangible heritage on the Lists as well as proposals for programmes and projects. END