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PAMANA NG LAHILiving Legacies: Honoring Philippine Heritage"Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan."— Dr. José Rizal
Mt. Samat National Shrine (Tangible Heritage) The Mt. Samat National Shrine, also known as the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), is a national memorial located in Pilar, Bataan. It was built to honor the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought during the Battle of Bataan in World War II. Completed in 1970, the shrine features a towering memorial cross, a museum, and a viewing deck overlooking the Bataan Peninsula. Today, it serves as a place of remembrance where visitors can learn about the bravery of the soldiers who defended the country and reflect on the importance of freedom, unity, and national pride. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://nhcp.gov.ph/
PAGE 3 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE The shrine complex also includes a white marble Colonnade with stained glass murals and war inscriptions, as well as an underground museum housing World War II relics, weapons, and historical photographs. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://nhcp.gov.ph/
Blood Compact Site Bohol (Tangible Heritage) The Blood Compact Site in Bohol is one of the country's most important historical landmarks. It commemorates the Sandugo, a traditional blood compact between Datu Sikatuna, a Boholano chieftain, and the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565. The ceremony symbolized friendship, trust, and peace between the two groups and is considered one of the earliest agreements between Filipinos and Spaniards. Today, the site reminds Filipinos of an important moment in the nation's history and continues to attract visitors who want to learn more about Bohol's cultural heritage and the country's past. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE Blood compact between Sikatuna and Legaspi | Registry. (n.d.).https://philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph/registry_databas e/blood-compact-between-sikatuna-and-legaspi/
Located in Tagbilaran City, the Bohol Blood Compact Site features a bronze monument by National Artist Napoleón Abueva depicting the 1565 treaty of friendship between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi. Sealed through a traditional sandugo (blood compact), it marks the first international treaty of peace between Filipinos and Spaniards. The term Sandugo is derived from the Visayan words meaning "one blood." According to ancient Visayan tradition, the ceremony required both leaders to make a small incision on their arm or chest, pour a few drops of blood into a cup of wine, and drink the mixture completely to finalize an oath of brotherhood and alliance. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE Blood compact between Sikatuna and Legaspi | Registry. (n.d.).https://philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph/registry_databas e/blood-compact-between-sikatuna-and-legaspi/
Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church (Immovable Heritage)The Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church, more commonly known as the Miagao Church, is a historic Roman Catholic church located in Miagao, Iloilo. Built between 1787 and 1797 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries, the church is famous for its unique Baroque-Romanesque architecture blended with Filipino and Chinese artistic influences. Its massive coral stone walls and fortress-like design were built not only for worship but also to protect the local community from pirate attacks during the Spanish colonial period. Today, Miagao Church is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its outstanding cultural, historical, and architectural significance. It remains an active place of worship and an important symbol of the Philippines' rich religious and cultural heritage. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://nhcp.gov.ph/
Built in 1787 using yellow limestone and coral, Miagao Church in Iloilo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Fortress Baroque design. Created as both a place of worship and a defensive stronghold, it is best known for its ornate facade depicting St. Christopher amidst native coconut and papaya trees. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://nhcp.gov.ph/
Daraga Church (Immovable Heritage) The Daraga Church, officially known as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria, is a historic Roman Catholic church located in Daraga, Albay. Built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries, the church is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the Philippines. It is best known for its beautifully carved stone façade, which features intricate floral designs, religious symbols, and statues of saints. Situated on top of a hill, the church also offers a breathtaking view of Mayon Volcano, making it an important destination for both pilgrims and tourists. Today, Daraga Church stands as a symbol of the country's rich religious, cultural, and architectural heritage and continues to serve as an active place of worship. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://nhcp.gov.ph/
PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://nhcp.gov.ph/ Built in 1773 by Franciscan friars and local artisans using volcanic stone from Mount Mayon, the Daraga Church in Albay is a hilltop landmark famous for its intricate Mexican Churrigueresque Baroque facade. It stands as a historic symbol of resilience overlooking Mayon Volcano. In recognition of its historical and artistic value, the National Museum of the Philippines declared key sections of the church— including its eastern and western facades, octagonal belfry, and baptistery—a National Cultural Treasure in 2007. Architecturally, the church features rich details carved directly into local volcanic rock. Its facade is famous for incorporating four rare Solomonic (spiral) columns adorned with rounded medallions depicting the Four Evangelists. Above the main entrance arch, a Latin inscription reads "Bene fundata est domus Domini supra firmam petram" ("Well founded is the house of the Lord on firm rock").
The Sanctuario de San Pedro Bautista Collections (Movable Heritage) The Sanctuario de San Pedro Bautista Collections are a valuable collection of religious, historical, and cultural artifacts preserved within the Basilica Minore de San Pedro Bautista in Quezon City. These collections include centuries-old religious images, liturgical objects, manuscripts, relics, paintings, and other artifacts gathered by the Franciscan Order. Housed in the Museo Bautista de San Pedro, the collections reflect the rich history of Catholicism and the Franciscan mission in the Philippines. They help preserve the country's religious heritage while educating visitors about the traditions, beliefs, and historical events connected to the church and its community. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE National Museum of the Philippines. (2021, December 9). Built Heritage Tradition of the San Pedro Bautista Church Complex in Quezon City. https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/2021/12/09/built- heritage-tradition-of-the-san-pedro-bautista-church- complex-in-quezon-city/
Maitum Anthropomorphic Burial Jars (Movable Heritage)The Maitum Anthropomorphic Burial Jars are ancient clay jars discovered in Ayub Cave, Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani Province. Dating back to around 5 BC to AD 370, these jars were used as secondary burial containers for the remains of the dead. What makes them unique is that their lids are shaped like human faces. They have distinct facial expressions, hairstyles, and ornaments, making each jar appear to represent a specific individual. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the burial practices, artistic skills, and beliefs of the early inhabitants of the Philippines. Today, the jars are considered among the country's most significant archaeological discoveries and are recognized as an important part of the nation's cultural heritage. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). Philippine Cultural Heritage. https://www.unesco.gov.ph/
Tultul Epic Chanting (Intangible Heritage) Tultul is a traditional epic of Palawan’s indigenous community, like the Tagbanua and Palaw’an. This is sung exclusively at night by a shaman (touqwan) in a trance state. The chant narrates cosmic order and creation, lasting up to 12 continuous hours without written notes. Performed from dusk to dawn, the chant serves as a spiritual medium. Chanting embodies the Täw Tultultulän (heroic spirits) who act as mediators between humans and the creator. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE NNicole Revel, 2000, “The Teaching of the Ancestors”, Budhi, pp. 100-110. 2005, Literature of Voice: Epics in the Philippines. [Proceedings of the 2000Conference in Ateneo de Manila University], N Revel, ed., Office of the President Publication, 236 p., 32 photos,1 video-disk of the performances.
Pagtatapa (Intangible Heritage) Pagtatapa (or pag-tapa) is the traditional Filipino practice of curing and smoking meat or fish to preserve it and enhance its flavor. It is one of the oldest indigenous food preservation techniques in the Philippines, dating back to pre- colonial times when smoking and salting were essential for storing protein in a tropical climate without refrigeration. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE Tributo, J. M., & Victoria, V. A. (2024). KUWENTO NG PAGTATAPA: PAGBUO AT PAGLALARAWAN SA PAGKAKAKILANLAN NG MERCEDES. Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2(4), 1160–1213. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11002039 Across different provinces, pagtatapa reflects the rich biodiversity and regional adaptability of Filipino communities. In coastal regions such as Cavite, Bataan, and Quezon, the practice centers around sea and freshwater catches like bangus (milkfish) and galunggong (round scad), which are brined in salt solutions before being gently smoked.
Tubbataha Reef’s Natural Park (National Heritage) Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park lies in a unique position in the centre of the Sulu Sea, and includes the Tubbataha and Jessie Beazley Reefs. It protects an area of almost 100,000 hectares of high quality marine habitats containing three atolls and a large area of deep sea. The property is home to a great diversity of marine life. Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and Napoleon wrasse are amongst the key species found here. The reef ecosystems support over 360 species of coral and almost 700 species of fish. The reserve also protects one of the few remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE Marine Conservation Institute. (2025, July 15). Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park » Marine Conservation Institute. https://marine- conservation.org/blueparks/awardees/tubbataha/
PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE Marine Conservation Institute. (2025, July 15). Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park » Marine Conservation Institute. https://marine- conservation.org/blueparks/awardees/tubbataha/ Marine scientists consider Tubbataha a critical "seed bank" for the region. Ocean currents carry coral larvae and fish eggs from the park throughout the rest of the Sulu Sea, helping maintain fish stock and biodiversity in nearby fisheries. Tubbataha is strictly protected as a no-take zone. No commercial or artisanal fishing or resource extraction is permitted within the park boundaries.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (National Heritage) The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an 8.2-kilometer underground river that flows directly into the sea. Long respected as sacred ground by the indigenous Tagbanwa people, the park is now managed by the local Puerto Princesa government, empowering community members to act as tour guides and conservationists. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (1999). Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage: Inscription of Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (CONF 209 VIII.A). UNESCO. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/652/
PAGE 3 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE Geologically and ecologically, it is renowned for its massive karst cave chambers, rare tidal estuary, and intact "mountain-to-sea" ecosystem that protects diverse endemic wildlife. Overall, literature highlights the park as a model for community-led ecotourism and sustainable environmental management. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (1999). Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage: Inscription of Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (CONF 209 VIII.A). UNESCO. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/652/
Bahay na Tisa (Important Cultural Property) The Bahay na Tisa is a historic ancestral house located in Bacoor, Cavite. Built during the Spanish colonial period, it is named after its distinctive tiled (tisa) roofing, which was considered a symbol of wealth and elegance at the time. The house is a fine example of the traditional Bahay na Bato architectural style, combining stone and wood construction with Spanish and Filipino design influences. Over the years, Bahay na Tisa has become an important cultural landmark that reflects the lifestyle, craftsmanship, and architectural traditions of Filipino families during the colonial era. Today, it serves as a reminder of Cavite's rich history and the importance of preserving the country's architectural heritage. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (n.d.). Heritage Conservation. https://ncca.gov.ph/
Molo Plaza Complex (Important Cultural Property) The Molo Plaza Complex is one of the most important heritage landmarks in Molo District, Iloilo City. It is composed of Molo Plaza, the historic Molo Church (St. Anne Parish Church), and nearby heritage structures such as the Molo Mansion. PAGE 1 | PHILIPPINE HERITAGE Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). Simbahan ng Molo (National Historical Landmark). https://philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph/registry_database/sim bahan-ng-molo/ Built during the American colonial period, the plaza has long served as a gathering place for religious celebrations, community events, and social activities. Surrounded by historic buildings and monuments, the complex reflects the rich cultural, religious, and architectural heritage of Iloilo. Today, it remains a popular destination where locals and tourists can appreciate the city's history while enjoying its well- preserved public spaces.
PHILIPPINE HERITAGE 07272026 Submiited by Lenon, Khrizia Mhaye and Santos, Jamie