Crafting the Vigan Heritage Charter in Ilokano

Abstract

Three developments necessitated conserving Vigan’s heritage: the enlistment of Vigan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, regaining its cityhood in 2001, and being declared as one of the New Seven Wonders Cities of the World in 2014, resulting in the influx of tourists and modernization that impact on its heritage. This article explores how Vigan City crafted its heritage charter in Ilokano shared by participants through focus group discussions. It discusses the reasons for drafting the charter, the participants, the process in identifying and translating English terms to Ilokano, and the components of the charter, which are the Principles for a Heritage City, Natural Heritage Charter, Built Heritage Charter, Intangible Heritage Charter and Movable Heritage Charter. Informants also shared issues that they encountered and how they were solved. Once approved by the City Council and the City Mayor, the charter – the principles and practices contained therein – will become the basis for all city heritage conservation activities. The charter may also be used as a reference by other local government units considering their heritage as a development tool and other heritage sites.