The Grupo Kalinangan, Inc. (GKI) highlighted the connection between history and heritage in its second Pamana Talks on 10 August 2019 at Clock-In @ The 30th, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

The forum, which coincided with the celebration of National History Month, featured four presentations by history professor Xiao Chua of the De La Salle University, restoration architect Reynaldo Lita of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Professor John Ray Ramos of the University of the Philippines, and media personality Lourd de Veyra.

Chua’s talk focused on how the experience, personality, and philosophy of former First Lady Imelda Marcos led to how Metropolitan Manila was created and developed in the 1970s, arguably both for good and for bad.

Meanwhile, Lita discussed the role, experiences, and achievements of NHCP as the lead government agency in preserving the country’s built heritage. He also shared various case studies to encapsulate the current situation of heritage conservation in the Philippines.

Ramos, on the other hand, tackled the role of public policy and governance in the conservation and development of cultural heritage, as well as challenges and opportunities thereto.

Lastly, de Veyra shared his experiences and behind-the-scenes narrative in the production of the three-part documentary, Kalayaan, Karapatan sa Karagatan. The 2015 documentary showcased the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea and key related issues.

This second of the four-part Pamana Talks was sponsored by Clock-In at Ayala Land Offices and Baloy’s Bakeshop.