Duterte names Cebu's Carcar, Ilocos Sur's San Vicente as Heritage Zones

To protect their historical and cultural integrity, President Rodrigo Duterte  declared Cebu's Carcar City and Ilocos Sur's San Vicente town as Heritage Zones.

These are provided under Republic Act 11644 and 11645 signed by the President into law last January 14 but only released on Monday, January 17.

The measure mandates the DOT, in coordination with the respective host local government, the NCCA and its affiliated cultural agencies, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to prioritize a development plan involving the preservation, conservation, restoration, and maintenance of cultural and historical sites and structures for the enhancement and sustainability of tourism in the said areas, provided that the NCCA will only approve methods and materials compliant with international standards of conservation in undertaking conservation and restoration work under relevant laws, including the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.

The Heritage Zones will include the cultural properties declared as National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, as well as National Historic Landmarks, Shrines, Monuments, and Sites, and such other immovable, movable or intangible cultural properties whether publicly or privately owned, as may be designated for inclusion therein by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its affiliated cultural agencies, in coordination with the host local government.

Meanwhile, President Duterte named Oscar Casaysay as National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director.

"We wish Executive Director Casaysay all the best in his new undertaking as he leads NCCA in the preservation, development, and promotion of Philippine arts and culture," acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a statement.

Casaysay used to work for the Davao City government led by then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. — DVM, GMA News