2015 FINALIST FOR TEN OUTSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS

SAN NICOLAS, ILOCOS NORTE

Convincing people to appreciate and value heritage is easier said than done, given more pressing development concerns. But the LGU of San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte was undaunted and proceeded to pursue the San Nicolas Cultural Heritage Program.

The p rogram aimed to: 1) identify and document the municipality’s rich cultural heritage; 2) institutionalize the programs for its sustainability; 3) protect and promote the municipality’s cultural heritage; 4) establish partnerships with stakeholders and gain the support of the community; and 5) utilize the cultural heritage symbols in the municipality for sustainable development.

With the change of administration in 2004, the LGU actively pursued cultural heritage preservation and enrichment activities such as the revival of the centuries old tradition of Damili or “Earthenware Production”, creation of the Center for Arts and Culture, incorporation of cultural traditions in fiestas, programs, and events, preservation of old Hispanic buildings and old structures and the introduction of the municipal anthem, “Ili Nagtaudak” (roughly translated as “Town Where I Grew Up.”)

By partnering with the Department of Education, the LGU was able to include San Nicolas’ History in the teaching curriculum of all the schools in the municipality. This made it possible to instill and teach the value and significance of culture to the children and the youth.

The LGU also established links with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Tourism, Liga ng mga Barangay, UST Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, as well as with other NGOs and NGAs. Core groups were assigned to facilitate and implement the program. The LGU also implemented a literacy and continuing education program and allocated sufficient funds for its implementation. The folk song and dance “Agdamdamili” which depicts the way of life of the earthenware workers and the steps in making a clay pot was made into a book which has been lauded by the NCCA.

In 2009, the Municipal Hall (Casa Tribunal) was declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as a National Historical Landmark. Other potential heritage facilities that may be declared as cultural properties such as the San Nicolas Catholic Church and the ruins of the old town are now being examined by the National Museum.

In implementing the program, the municipal government was guided by the axiom that genuine development is reliant on the active participation of all the various sectors of the community. Stakeholders were given many opportunities to voice out their opinions and suggestions. The program also encouraged the participation of interest clubs in schools. Moreover, an association of cultural heritage mappers in the municipality has identified and documented the municipality’s cultural heritage resources. The Ilocos Norte Tour Guides League is now also implementing a project called “Eskwela Tour”, which is a special tour of the heritage schools in the municipality.

The heritage conservation program is envisioned to be enjoyed by generations to come because the local government has put in place measures and policies that ensure the sustainability of the program and because of the community’s commitment and dedication to preserve their rich cultural heritage.