Rebuilding Vigan: UNESCO’s Efforts to Restore Heritage After the 2022 Earthquake
In July 2022, a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck northwestern Philippines. The quake killed 11 people and injured almost 600. It caused around 1.6 billion pesos ($27.3 million) in damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
The historic city of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faced severe damage. The earthquake affected approximately 100 ancestral homes and the city’s 19th-century cathedral and bell tower. Most damaged homes are privately owned, making repairs financially difficult for their residents.
Homeowner Milagros “Mitos” Belofsky recalled the moment she learned about the earthquake’s impact on the Syquia Mansion, her family’s historic house. She drove from Manila to Vigan the next day to see the damage: “It was overwhelming,” she said.
Two years after the quake, the Syquia Mansion and many other heritage houses in Vigan still await restoration. Homeowners struggle with the high repair costs and challenges in using proper techniques and materials for authentic restoration.
To assist the Vigan heritage community, UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) mobilized a team of experts for assessments and workshops focused on repair methods. This project, funded by UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund, is the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Moe Chiba from UNESCO explained that previous funding went mainly to restoring publicly owned monuments. The unique architecture of Vigan, blending Spanish colonial and Chinese influences, needs attention.
The HEF-Vigan project received over $105,000 and began in October 2023. Over the year, experts assessed 30 ancestral houses, selecting two—Syquia Mansion and Cabildo House—for full evaluations. A team of 40 professionals documented the damage and recommended repairs.
What strategies can be implemented to effectively restore heritage sites in the Philippines after a natural disaster?
Its kind aimed specifically at supporting the restoration of heritage sites in the Philippines following a natural disaster.
Interview with Dr. Elena Reyes, Heritage Conservation Specialist
News Directory 3 (ND3): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Reyes. To start, can you give us an overview of the impact the 2022 earthquake had on Vigan’s cultural heritage?
Dr. Reyes: Thank you for having me. The earthquake had a profound impact on Vigan, a city recognized for its rich history and well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. We lost a number of ancestral homes and portions of our beloved 19th-century cathedral. It’s heartbreaking to see such historical treasures damaged. The infrastructure loss is significant, but the emotional impact on the community is also substantial. Many of these homes have been in families for generations.
ND3: Can you describe the specific challenges homeowners face when it comes to restoring these historic properties?
Dr. Reyes: Homeowners are grappling with several challenges. First, there’s the financial burden—repairing or restoring a historic property can be extraordinarily expensive, not to mention the emotional strain it puts on families. Second, homeowners often lack knowledge about the proper techniques and materials needed for authentic restoration. Using incorrect methods or modern materials can irreversibly change the character of these historic homes. Lastly, navigating the bureaucratic processes involved in restoration can be daunting, especially for those who are not familiar with heritage conservation laws.
ND3: Since the earthquake, what steps have been taken to assist homeowners in Vigan with repairs and restoration efforts?
Dr. Reyes: Fortunately, UNESCO and ICOMOS have stepped in to provide essential support. They have mobilized a team of experts to conduct assessments and provide training workshops specifically focused on traditional repair techniques. This initiative is crucial because it ensures that homeowners not only gain access to the funding through UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund, but they also learn best practices for maintaining their homes’ cultural integrity. Our goal is to empower local communities to engage with their heritage effectively while also safeguarding these structures for future generations.
ND3: What role does community involvement play in the restoration efforts, and how vital is it for the long-term sustainability of these projects?
Dr. Reyes: Community involvement is absolutely critical. Restoration projects flourish when local residents are actively engaged and invested in the process. It fosters a sense of ownership and pride in cultural heritage. Moreover, when community members learn about preservation techniques, they can continue to maintain their properties beyond the immediate restoration efforts. It is essential for building resilience not only in cultural heritage but also in the community as a whole.
ND3: Looking ahead, what can be done to enhance disaster preparedness for historic sites in regions like Vigan, which are vulnerable to natural disasters?
Dr. Reyes: Preparedness is key. We need comprehensive disaster risk reduction plans that account for both modern infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. This includes conducting regular structural assessments, implementing retrofitting techniques, and creating emergency response protocols that prioritize the protection of these invaluable homes. Education and training for community members in disaster preparedness and response can significantly mitigate damage in future events. Collaboration with governmental bodies, conservation organizations, and local communities is essential for fostering a holistic approach to heritage protection.
ND3: Thank you, Dr. Reyes, for sharing your insights on this important issue. As Vigan continues the journey toward restoration, it is clear that a collaborative effort and community engagement are vital in preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.
Dr. Reyes: Thank you for allowing me to discuss this topic. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going around the preservation of our cultural heritage, especially in light of natural disasters. Together, we can build a more resilient future for places like Vigan.
ND3: We appreciate your time, Dr. Reyes. We look forward to seeing the progress in Vigan and hope for a brighter future for its heritage community.
Cheek Fadriquela, ICOMOS Philippines Chairman, emphasized the importance of documentation in restoration efforts. Without careful documentation, significant heritage attributes may be lost during repairs.
The assessments led to a master plan for the Syquia Mansion and Cabildo House. They also formed the foundation for a training program for over 80 Vigan homeowners and craftsmen. This program covered essential skills for maintaining heritage homes, including woodwork and sourcing materials.
Emmeline Versoza, a participant and homeowner, stressed the need for ongoing training in heritage conservation. She highlighted the importance of expertise in the community for preserving Vigan’s identity.
The HEF-Vigan project will produce guidance and best practices for heritage conservation. It will also update the Vigan Heritage Homeowner’s Preservation Manual, originally published in 2010.
Furthermore, plans are underway to integrate heritage conservation into disaster risk management strategies. This will help the city prepare for future disasters after facing significant challenges from the 2022 earthquake and 2023 floods.
Vigan City Architect Christian Nico Pilotin stated, “The identity of Vigan is not the same without these historic ancestral houses.” He noted that heritage conservation is vital for the city’s development and preservation.