By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines has been elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGC-ICH) for term 2026‑2030, with 106 votes, reflecting the growing recognition of Manila’s expertise in preserving cultural heritage.
The elections were held during the 11th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France on June 17.
The Philippines obtained a total of 106 votes or 68% of the 156 UNESCO member-states that cast valid votes in the election.
Other members from the Asia-Pacific group elected to the committee were Japan with 117 votes, Indonesia with 113, and Cambodia with 97.
The four winners were selected out of a total of six candidates, including South Korea and Turkmenistan, that both garnered 94 votes.
In a statement on Thursday, the Philippine Embassy in France described the election as “a clear sign of the global community’s recognition of the rich cultural heritage and vibrance of the Filipino nation.”
“Our election to this important committee demonstrates how the world community of nations has always held our country in high esteem, especially with regards our multicultural and multiethnic heritage, which has in effect made the Philippines a bridge between all peoples of the world,” said Philippine Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Eduardo Jose de Vega.
The IGC-ICH is responsible for providing guidance on best practices and making recommendations on safeguarding cultural expressions, indigenous knowledge and traditional practices.
It also decides on nominations of cultural elements to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, including the register of good safeguarding practices, “representative list” of intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and list of intangible cultural heritage in need of “urgent safeguarding.”
The Philippines will assume its position at the committee immediately after its election and will remain as a member until 2030.
As an elected member of IGC-ICH, the Philippines will work for the provision of capacity-building programs on safeguarding living heritage in disaster and climate-vulnerable contexts.
The embassy said the Philippines would likewise advance discussions on gender equality and disability inclusion in the practice and transmission of living heritage, as well as foster dialogue on the impacts of migration and emerging technologies on the preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage.
The Philippines has been a State Party to the 2003 Convention for nearly two decades and has inscribed Aklan piña handloom weaving; Tugging rituals and games; the Hudhud chants of the Ifugao; Darangen epic of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao; Buklog, thanksgiving ritual system of the Subanen; the practice of making Asin Tibuok, the artisanal sea salt of Bohol; and the School of Living Traditions among the various UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
