The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Cultural Properties Regulation Division, reopens the ASEAN Regional Dialogue: Building Foundations for Cooperation in Cultural Heritage Protection, held on 22–24 June 2026 in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines.
Bringing together cultural heritage practitioners and representatives from ASEAN Member States, the three-day dialogue provides a platform for knowledge exchange, reflection, and collaboration on shared challenges in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Building on the ASEAN–Italy cooperation on cultural heritage protection, the dialogue highlights 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, ASEAN partners come together to build stronger foundations toward protecting the region’s diverse and shared cultural heritage.
OPENING PROGRAM
The host city of Mabalacat welcomed ASEAN delegates to the regional dialogue with colorful cultural performances from the Kapampangan art group Arti Sta. Rita.
NCCA Chairman and ASEAN Minister Responsible for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines, Dr. Eric Zerrudo, delivered an inspirational message and read the keynote message from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In his address, Dr. Zerrudo underscored the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage:
“With our differing backgrounds and country of origin, I trust that this conference brings together diverse experiences, expertise, and perspectives from across ASEAN, reminding us that while our cultural heritage may be unique to each nation, the challenges of protecting it are often shared. And this dialogue brings these differences and common grounds to the fore.”
Updates on regional developments and cooperation initiatives on cultural heritage protection in ASEAN were also presented by Ms. Annie Luis, representative from the ASEAN Secretariat.
COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS
The opening sessions of the ASEAN Regional Dialogue featured country presentations highlighting diverse approaches and experiences in cultural heritage protection across the region.
The morning panel featured representatives from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia, while the afternoon session included Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Participants shared their respective frameworks, policies, and practices—from heritage law enforcement and cultural property protection to site management, museum practices, digital documentation, and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. Both sessions were moderated by Dr. Ricamela Palis.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS AND THEMES
As part of the program, participants engaged in thematic breakout sessions that explored practical approaches to strengthening heritage protection across the region.
Discussions focused on four key areas: multi-agency coordination models, examining how culture agencies, law enforcement, customs authorities, disaster management offices, and other stakeholders can enhance cooperation and response mechanisms; information sharing and documentation systems, addressing the need for accessible, operable, and effective platforms to support heritage protection efforts; legal and policy environments, reflecting on national frameworks, implementation challenges, and opportunities to strengthen cultural property protection and enforcement; and capacity development and institutional gaps, identifying needs in resources, technical expertise, training, and community engagement.
Through these exchanges, ASEAN partners shared experiences, identified common challenges, and explored practical interventions that may help strengthen regional cooperation toward safeguarding the shared cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Following the opening day of the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Cultural Heritage Protection, succeeding days will shift from exchanges to applied learning and planning. Delegates will continue with site-based learning engagements in Guagua, Bacolor, Clark, and Angeles City in Pampanga, where heritage protection practices will be observed in real-world contexts, linking policy and coordination discussions to on-the-ground realities of conservation and community stewardship.
In the final sessions, participants will return to plenary deliberations to consolidate key findings, identify priority areas for regional cooperation, and articulate commitments that may inform future ASEAN discussions on cultural heritage protection. The Dialogue will conclude with a synthesis, capturing shared lessons and outlining possible next steps for sustained collaboration within relevant ASEAN frameworks.
