OUR HERITAGE structures remain in constant danger of destruction due to the pressures of modernity and lack of public appreciation on their significance as historical markers. Thus the revival of Sunburst Park in Iloilo City is a refreshing sight. Sunburst Park was named such in honor of the American 40th Infantry Division of the same nickname that liberated Iloilo City from the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
Our heritage, both intangible and tangible – such as iconic churches, heritage houses, colonial buildings and historical bridges – is constantly under threat of extinction. Sunburst Park reminds us of our responsibility to restore and protect them. It is the duty of concerned cultural agencies to take the lead in the protection of important heritage treasures, whether natural or built, as emphasized in Republic Act 10086 (Strengthening Peoples’ Nationalism Through Philippine History Act) and Republic Act 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009).
We have lost some of our historic structures from natural catastrophes and long years of neglect. Although there are efforts to restore and rehabilitate some of these damaged structures such as the iconic churches in Cebu and Bohol, which were badly damaged by the earthquake in 2013, we hope that the government and experts from the academe and the private sector would heed the call to invest in the conservation of our cultural heritage through periodic maintenance and preventive measures, such as retrofitting of heritage structures.
Aside from the neglect and deliberate demolition of historical buildings, further compounding the matter are the dangers faced by old and mature trees found within highly urbanized areas which may be earthballed or even cut due to ongoing construction projects. The government should implement more programs that would protect these natural treasures, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Heritage Tree Project, an effort to protect old and mature trees found within urbanized areas under the Urban Forestry Program.
There is a need to strengthen existing rules and guidelines and improve cooperation among various agencies to ensure the preservation of heritage zones. We hope our cultural agencies and local government units will work together to preserve our heritage and do whatever they can to prevent the destruction of structures with historical and cultural significance.
The State should be the first to protect our heritage.
