Frequently Asked Questions

I explain that heritage is what ever each one of us individually or collectively wish to preserve and pass on to the next generation. If we want to preserve something, then it is our heritage.

François LeBlanc 1993

What is heritage?

What are the categories of heritage?

What are the qualities of world heritage?

Are there categories of heritage other than “world” heritage?

What category of heritage is discussed in Panublion?

Does Panublion cover all of the tangible heritage of the Visayas?

Why are most of the Visayas heritage sites associated with the Spanish colonial era?

Why are pre-colonial monuments and sites hardly mentioned?

How is the information in Panublion organized?

How does the Panublion CD differ from the Panublion Website?

How can I contribute to Panublion?

Are there any restrictions in the use of Panublion?

What is heritage? Simply put: “Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations” (UNESCO). Heritage is what an individual, family, community, nation or the world considers worth preserving as a trust and passing on as precious gift to the next generation. The term “panublion” puts it well. Its root “subli” in archaic Tagalog means moving from here to there; in Hiligaynon, “subli” is to put a layer of clothing over another.

Heritage then has an active dimension expressed in a synonym “tradition.” This term whose etymology is the Latin “tradere” means to hand over; while another synonym “patrimony” comes from the Latin “patrimonium” and refers to the static aspect of heritage that which is being handed over by the fathers (patres).

What are the categories of heritage? UNESCO, the international body tasked with preserving World Heritage, in the Paris Convention signed 23 November 1972, considered the following as "cultural heritage":

• monuments: architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features

• groups of buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings which, (are related) because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape

• sites: works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including archaeological sites (Article 1).

"natural heritage":

• natural features consisting of physical and biological formations or groups of such formations

• geological and physiographical formations and precisely delineated areas which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants

• natural sites or precisely delineated natural areas (Article 2).

Furthermore, UNESCO, adapting terminology first used in Japan has distinguished between “tangible and intangible” heritage. The later refers to performances, practices, languages, customs, traditional knowledge, which define, embody or symbolize a culture or aspects of culture.

Two other categories have been recently adopted: “cultural landscape” and “cultural route.” Cultural landscape refers to an environment where a living and vibrant culture exists. The landscape includes the natural environment, built environment, and the customs and traditions of people who live within this landscape. “Cultural route” refers to a transnational area where cultural exchanges have occurred over the centuries resulting in the diverse yet interrelated cultures that exist today. The “Silk Route” is an example of a cultural route.

Succinctly put, these are the categories of heritage:

Tangible

Cultural Heritage

°Monuments
°Landscapes
°Sites
Natural Heritage

°Natural features
°Habitats
°Natural sites

Intangible

Cultural landscape

Cultural route

What are the qualities of world heritage? For cultural heritage, a monument, landscape or site must be “of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science; the historical, aesthetic, …ethnological or anthropological point of view.”

For a natural sites, features, habitats and natural site must “of outstanding universal value from the aesthetic or scientific point … or conservation;…or natural beauty.”

Are there categories of heritage other than “world” heritage? Yes. The qualifying term is “universal” if heritage is to be properly called world. However, as François LeBlanc explains, heritage can run through a whole gamut as heritage for the:

Individual—Family—Community—Region—Province/State—Country—World.

As long as something is perceived as having value, is preserved and passed on to the next generation, this can be considered heritage. Thus, there is an individual’s heritage, family heritage, and so forth.

What category of heritage is discussed in Panublion? Most of Panublion is about tangible, cultural heritage, monuments and sites of provincial or national (country) importance. Occasionally intangible heritage, especially if connected with a monument, site or cultural landscape will be mentioned.

Does Panublion cover all of the tangible heritage of the Visayas? No. What are found in Panublion are monuments and sites that Panublion’s creators know about or have visited. Although other sources have been consulted in putting together Panublion, for the creators’ purposes it is important that they have reliable information on the heritage, and this is when a site visit is imperative.

Why are most of the Visayas heritage sites associated with the Spanish colonial era? Heritage usually implies a category of time. In Philippine practice, heritage is applied to something at least a century old although there doesn’t seem to be a clear legal definition of a site’s or monument’s age for it to be considered heritage; the Philippine legislature has yet to pass a comprehensive heritage law. The Spanish period ended in 1898, well within 100 years.

Other ASEAN nations, like Singapore use half a century as measure. But occasionally monuments and sites that are less than 100 years are included in Panublion, if outstanding and historically important or if they embody a continuous artistic trend that goes beyond the conventional periodizations of political history.

Why are pre-colonial monuments and sites hardly mentioned? Many pre-colonial sites are hardly or poorly studied. Some sites have been uncovered by accident, for instance when a building or road is constructed, In which case “rescue archaeology” is done but once the archaeologists have done their study, the site is built over or inaccessible. A case in point is downtown Cebu. In some sites, away from urban areas, archaeologists rebury the site after study to prevent looters from damaging it. Pre-colonial sites are often not clearly identified because of the rampant problem of treasure hunters, pot hunters and looters. Visiting unmarked sites is a problem.

For inaccessible sites, the major finds are usually kept (and displayed) in the National Museum or its regional offices, or in private museums run by schools, universities, local government and families. In which case, these museums are mentioned in Panublion.

In the Philippines, there are a handful of archaeological sites that can be visited conveniently, namely, Tabon Cave in Palawan, the Angono rock shelter, and the Santa Ana site. Here artifacts might be viewed in situ. In the future when there is a greater appreciation and understanding of these sites, more can open to the public.

How is the information in Panublion organized? Information is organized following the format of a heritage tour on the assumption, that the best way to understand and appreciate these heritage sites is to visit them. We believe that one reason for the general neglect and destruction of heritage sites is lack of information and awareness. That lack often begins with the locals themselves but when visitors come inquiring about a site, then local interest and the subsequent owning and care for the site can happen. Pilot projects to preserve and promote heritage sites, for instance Intramuros and Vigan, are beginning to bear fruit as local residents value their own heritage, which because of the excellence and outstanding quality is not limited to one community but is part of the national patrimony.

The tours generally begin with a major city in the crossroads of air, sea or land traffic. Some but incomplete information is given on how to get to and around a place; thus, the traveler is advised to consult other sites specializing in tours or to contact travel agents for more detailed information. Since such information does change from time to time, it is best to consult the specialist.

How does the Panublion CD differ from the Panublion Website? The Panublion CD contains more information and images than the website. The Website is a summary of the CD. The CD contains an HTML and PDF version, the latter is not available from the website. However, the website will be used to post updates and corrections on the CD, thus, data on the website is generally more current than that on the CD. In subsequent editions of the CD updates and corrections posted on the site will be incorporated.

How can I contribute to Panublion? Through the Panublion website, you may send an email message to its creators. Corrections, additions and comments are welcome.

Are there any restrictions in the use of Panublion? Panublion is protected by the national and international rules on copyright and intellectual property.

Purchase of the CD means agreement to the following terms and conditions:

The CD is for personal, individual, non-commercial use only. For institutional and group use, please contact Jesuit Communications. Contact data is provided elsewhere in this publication.
Individual users can have only one copy of the CD residing in any one computer at any given time. Should you transfer the CD to another computer, you must erase the previous copy.
You may not redesign or repurpose the CD, nor publish it in another format.
You may not use any text, photo, and illustration of any part of the CD without written permission from the creators and publisher. Some of the images in this CD are covered by copyright belonging to third parties. These have been used with permission, and sources are indicated. For these images, written permission from third parties is required. Unless acknowledged, all other images and text are under copyright by Jesuit Communication and the creators. All requests for permission are to be forwarded to Jesuit Communications.
You may print one copy of the PDF for personal use, but may not multiply it for use by others.

Regarding the website:

You may establish a link between your site and Panublion provided that you do not redesign the site, you acknowledge the source, and you inform Jesuit Communications via email of your intention.
Use of images in the site that belong to Jesuit Communications is allowed for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Other images that belong to third parties are covered by their own stipulations and restrictions, users are enjoined to contact these parties directly.

The information contained in Panublion CD and Website has been checked for accuracy and is being disseminated for information purposes only. Purchase and use of Panublion means that you accept the information as is and where is, with no implications of further liability. Jesuit Communications and the creators of Panublion declare that they are free from any liability arising from the information contained and its use. The purchase and use of Panublion indicates that you agree that Jesuit Communications and its creators shall not be held responsible for any inconvenience that may arise from its use.