CLARK FREEPORT — Cultural heritage practitioners and representatives from ASEAN member states gathered for the ASEAN Regional Dialogue: Building Foundations for Cooperation in Cultural Heritage Protection, held on June 22–24 at the Clark Marriott here.
Organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts led by chairperson Dr. Eric Zerrudo, the three-day dialogue provided a platform for knowledge exchange, reflection, and collaboration on shared challenges in safeguarding cultural heritage.
“While our cultural heritage may be unique to each nation, the challenges of protecting it are often shared,” enthused Zerrudo during the opening, stressing the value of ASEAN cooperation in bringing together diverse experiences, expertise, and perspectives toward a common goal: strengthening the protection and preservation of cultural heritage across the region.
Building on the ASEAN–Italy cooperation on cultural heritage protection, the dialogue highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships, sharing best practices, and exploring pathways for future regional cooperation.
Through country presentations, thematic discussions, and heritage site learning engagements, the dialogue enabled ASEAN participants to share post-training implementation experiences; surface institutional, legal, and operational challenges; examine the applicability of international practices within ASEAN contexts; and identify priority areas for future regional cooperation.
The dialogue also featured colorful cultural performances by Arti Sta. Rita. Punto Lifestyle Team/NCCA
