Lutong Cavite : The Power of Preserving Cultural Heritage in Building a Better Ciudad de Cavite

Cultural Heritage is central to protecting our sense of who we are. It gives us an irrefutable connection to the past – to certain social values, beliefs, customs and traditions, that allows us to identify ourselves with others and deepen our sense of unity, belonging and national pride.

Throughout the years, this blog has continued to envision a future where our city's cultural heritage is truly valued and integrated into all programs and developments. We aspire for our ciudad to follow the footsteps of neighboring areas that have gradually embraced this approach, reaping long-term progress with a genuine purpose. Sadly, it is important to acknowledge that a person's passion for cultural heritage is inherently profound, regardless of whether others recognize its value. It has become increasingly challenging to find young generations in the ciudad who are fully engaged in the significance of our heritage, as they are often consumed by the superficiality of social media. The obsession with likes, views, and virality has become the primary gauge of worth, overshadowing the true essence of cultural heritage. However, it is possible to bridge these two worlds, as demonstrated by more progressive areas that have successfully merged the digital age with the preservation and promotion of heritage.

Cultural heritage plays a vital role in economic development, serving as a significant industry. The presence of heritage sites attracts a multitude of visitors, tourists, and enthusiasts, leading to a surge in secondary economic activities. The preservation and practice of cultural heritage give rise to various enterprises in the fields of artisanal crafts, design, fashion, performing arts, and culinary arts, catering to consumers and generating income. Additionally, cultural heritage provides employment opportunities, whether through historic restoration projects, site management and operations, or service in the hospitality industry. This makes cultural heritage financially and economically valuable and, when well-managed for the benefit of local or host communities, an asset for social stability and well-being. And our ciudad and its ancestors has one of the riches cultural heritage in the ENTIRE country.

Last month Senator Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, has filed Senate Bill (SB) 622, An Act Amending Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which seeks to mandate LGUs to conduct a comprehensive cultural mapping of their areas of jurisdiction.

“I believe that culture is the narrative that binds us as a nation, and it is something we owe to our ancestors and heroes who built the Philippines as it is today. It is also important to protect our way of living and our heritage that we will also pass on to our children and our children’s children,” Legarda said during a committee hearing on various cultural measures.

We do not know how long this bill will take or if it will really move forward but at least there is a little hope hindi man ngayon baka balang araw. For now the best way to preserve cultural heritage of our city is to continue sharing it with others.

#ElSueño #WeLoveCaviteCity