Senator Nancy Binay said the inclusion of a Philippine indigenous fabric and a geopark in the United Nations' cultural listing this year will serve as "a sound direction" in urging the government to further protect the country's heritage and cultural treasures.
Binay said the government will now have compelling reasons to to set into motion the protection and preservation of relevant cultural treasures and heritage such as geo-sites, oral traditions, arts, and traditional crafts nationwide.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently designated Bohol Island as a geo-site, while the handwoven piña or pineapple textile of Aklan province was inscribed into the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
"Being on UNESCO's cultural and heritage list is a big step for our people and our country. We hope that the government can find ways to provide funding and support in order to protect the country's tangible and intangible cultural assets," Binay said.
Binay underscored the Philippines has so many things to offer culturally and these must have potential for global recognition and ecological significance.
She cited that all local tropical fabrics nationwide have the potential to be known worldwide and also deserve to be included in the intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Binay then urged the government to extend financial, technical, training and marketing support to local weavers.
She added the need to entice today's generation of youth to engage themselves in continuing Filipino traditions.
"Umaasa ako na maging template at guide natin ang mga pamantayan ng UNESCO para makita natin how protecting and conserving cultural treasures can translate such global recognition into meaningful gains for our people," said Binay.
"We have 7,641 islands, each with a unique, intrinsic and strong differentiating factor. This UNESCO recognition emphasizes the Philippines' comparative advantage. Sana, we can capitalize on these advantages, at mas palawakin pa natin ang ating cultural and ecological awareness and consciousness as a people," she added.
