Paris: The Philippines has been elected to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGC-ICH) for the term 2026-2030, receiving 106 votes. This election underscores Manila's growing recognition in preserving cultural heritage.
According to Philippines News Agency, the elections took place during the 11th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on June 17. The Philippines secured 68 percent of the 156 valid votes cast by UNESCO member states.
Other members elected from the Asia-Pacific group included Japan with 117 votes, Indonesia with 113, and Cambodia with 97. These four members were chosen from six candidates, with South Korea and Turkmenistan each receiving 94 votes.
The Philippine Embassy in France described the election as a testament to the global community's appreciation of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage. Philippine Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Eduardo Jose de Vega, highlighted the significance of this recognition in linking the multicultural and multiethnic heritage of the Philippines with the world.
The IGC-ICH guides best practices and makes recommendations for safeguarding cultural expressions, indigenous knowledge, and traditional practices. It also decides on nominations to various UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, including those needing urgent safeguarding.
The Philippines will assume its committee position immediately after its election and maintain membership until 2030. The country plans to focus on capacity-building programs for safeguarding living heritage in disaster and climate-vulnerable contexts. Additionally, the Philippines aims to advance discussions on gender equality and disability inclusion in heritage practices, as well as the effects of migration and emerging technologies on intangible cultural heritage.
As a State Party to the 2003 Convention for almost two decades, the Philippines has inscribed numerous cultural elements on various UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, including Aklan pi±a handloom weaving, Hudhud chants of the Ifugao, and the Darangen epic of the Maranao people, among others.
