ALL IS NOT LOST IN VIGAN

Being inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list requires the coordination of B committed stakeholders to nominate a site.

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The process is a painstaking endeavor that requires a detailed and well organized document called a "nomination file." The file then is scrutinized by a series of bodies and committees. They will decide if the property meets the criteria for a prestigious

World Heritage Site inscription. From end to end, it is a community-based process that shows that stakeholders are willing and able to commit to safeguarding the inscribed property. However, although complex, inscription is just one process, and keeping that status is another.

Maintenance of World Heritage Site status in the Philippines is a daunting task in an environment where earthquakes, typhoons and fire are frequent occurrences. Since World Heritage properties are ultimately the responsibility of the stakeholders, they must strive to maintain the site's exceptional significance, authenticity, and integrity. Some benefits from stakeholder involvement are a sense of ownership, a pride of place and a closer-knit community. These core values are what truly sustain the World Heritage Site and ensure their existence in the future.

The UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta paid a courtesy visit from Dec. 10-12, 2023 to the Historic City of Vigan. Director Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa and Rizky Fardhyan were able to inspect the heritage core of the city to note the extent of damage of the earthquake of July 2022. They paid a courtesy call and met with Mayor "Bonito" C. Singsong, Jr., a key stakeholder and focal person, to brief the purpose of the present restoration efforts and to strengthen its collaboration with the City of Vigan. UNESCO Jakarta reaffirmed its support and willingness to engage in further recovery discussions.