Philippine Registry of Heritage Capacity-Building: Training on the Documentation of Movable Cultural Properties: Historic Objects
QUEZON CITY — In support of the NCCA’s regulatory functions, the Cultural Properties Regulation Division (CPRD) conducted an in-house training on April 28 at the NHCP Presidential Car Museum, Quezon Memorial Circle, Diliman, Quezon City, to strengthen personnel capacity in the documentation and assessment of movable cultural properties. Anchored on Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, as amended by Republic Act No. 11961, the activity reinforced CPRD’s role in the registration and inspection of movable cultural properties under the Philippine Registry of Heritage (PRH), while also supporting its technical assistance functions for local government units (LGUs) in the preparation and submission of Local Cultural Inventories (LCIs).
The training focused on enhancing the technical competencies of CPRD personnel in identifying, documenting, and assessing historic objects, recognizing that movable cultural properties require careful evaluation not only for registration purposes but also for broader regulatory concerns. These include the inspection of privately owned movable cultural properties, the documentation of objects with possible cultural significance, and the proper appreciation of materials that may fall within the scope of heritage regulation. Strengthening these competencies is also essential in enabling CPRD personnel to provide more effective guidance to LGUs, which are mandated to inventory cultural properties within their respective jurisdictions.
The main session was facilitated by Mx. Ryan Tan, Senior Shrine Curator of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, who used selected objects from the IMPETUS Romulo: Architect of Diplomacy exhibit as case materials for discussion and workshop activities. Through these objects, participants were introduced to the analysis of historical objects as primary sources and were guided in recognizing their historical significance beyond mere physical description. The activity also included hands-on documentation and group analysis exercises involving selected museum objects, allowing participants to apply key concepts in a practical setting.
