Leandria P. Pagunsan
NEGROS ORIENTAL, July 27 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Tourism Council (NOTC)
recently passed a resolution for the conservation and preservation of
historical structures in the province in line with with Republic Act 10066
or National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
Under the
resolution, old structures existing 50 years and above such as bridges,
churches, bell towers, houses, furniture and fixtures, habitat for animals,
musical instruments, artifacts and workmanship in Negros Oriental with impact
on historical, cultural and environmental values will be conserved and preserved.
In a recent council
meeting, Dr. Nichol Elman, NOTC co-chariman, discussed on the significance
of preserving Negros Oriental's cultural heritage for future generations to
appreciate the structure's legacies and its historical value.
Elman said the
resolution will include a motion for the governor to enter into a memorandum of
agreement (MOA) with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) for possible funding of this project.
He also
suggested for Silliman University's Philippine Historical
Society forge a MOA with the provincial government for them to
handle the mapping of structures and historical artifacts in the different
municipalities.
Meanwhile, council
member Atty. Francel Martinez said that promotion of cultural tourism such
as dances, engineering, old workmanship, and raw materials are rarely found in
Negros Oriental such as the old assembly hall and marine laboratory in Silliman
University, the Cathedral Church and Bell Tower, among others.
Martinez said the
Cathedral Church and bell tower are symbols of old workmanship where huge lime
stones were precision fit in building the structures.
However, he lamented
that the church is now covered with cement and tiles when the structure was
refurbished.
Martinez also pointed
out the Locomotive in Central Azucarera de Bais along railway tracks of sugar
plantation as cultural attraction in Bais City years back.
Bais City then showcased
a farm or day tour with a ride on the locomotive around the farm and feast on
spanish foods after the tour, but it was not sustained.
Martinez cited the
important role of government in preserving, maintaining, and marketing of
cultural tourism as one of the major drivers in economic development.
(rmn/lpp/PIA7-Negros Oriental)