CULTURE AND SERVICES

8. Preservation of Culture and Heritage

In 2018 under the leadership of Governor Ma. Luisa Romualdo, the National Museum of the Philippines declared 3 archaeological sites in Camiguin as National Cultural Treasures (NCT) and another 17 landmarks, structures, and houses as Important Cultural Properties (ICP). Declared NCTs are the Old Bonbon Church in Catarman, Sunken Cemetery also in Catarman, and the Spanish-era watchtower in Guinsiliban. We will also continue to improve these heritage sites.

PRESERVATION OF CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Camiguin is home to several unique important cultural treasures. Last 2018, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) declared 17 Important Cultural Properties (ICP) in Camiguin which includes landmarks, structures, and ancestral houses, and 3 archeological sites as National Cultural Treasures (NCT), namely, the Old Church Ruins and the Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, and the Moro Watch Tower, a Spanish-era watchtower, in Guinsiliban.

The Provincial Government of Camiguin, through the Provincial Tourism Office, aims to preserve, recognize, enrich, and promote Camiguin’s cultural identity and historical heritage. For instance, centennial trees and houses, churches, and historical monuments are given priority concern in planning infrastructure development and its conservation.

To ensure the sustainable development of the cultural properties and heritage of Camiguin, the provincial government engaged with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for guidance to address proper preservation and conservation measures. Last May 2023, the province was granted technical assistance from the NCCA and the NMP to determine the status of the declared ICPs and NCTs in the province.

The technical team, spearheaded by Architect Alnie Hayudini of the Declaration and Public Heritage Section of NCCA, conducted an on-site inspection to the important cultural treasures of the province and a deliberation was conducted among the ancestral property owners and Local Government Units concerned. Architect Hayudini stressed that most of the ICPs and the 3 NCTs, which were developed as tourism destinations, are very well preserved and conserved.