The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is dedicated to conserving the Philippine’s cultural heritage, as outlined in its mandate, “To conserve, promote and protect the nation’s historical and cultural heritage.” As we announce the 2025 Competitive Grants Program, it is essential to understand the significance of cultural heritage and the efforts made towards its conservation. This primer provides an overview of cultural heritage, the role of cultural agencies, pertinent laws, and the functions of the Cultural Properties Regulation Division (CPRD) of the NCCA.
Cultural heritage
Republic Act 11961, s. 2023, also known as “An Act Strengthening the Conservation and Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage through Cultural Mapping and Enhanced Cultural Heritage Education Program, amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10066, otherwise known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”, provided a list of definition of terms that are keys in understanding cultural heritage.
Cultural heritage shall refer to the totality of cultural property that has been preserved and developed over time and passed on to future generations;
Cultural property shall refer to all products of human creativity by which a people and a nation reveal their identity, including churches, mosques and other places of religious worship, schools, and natural history specimens and sites, whether owned publicly or privately, movable or immovable, or tangible or intangible;
Heritage zone shall refer to historical, anthropological, archaeological, and artistic geographical areas and settings that are culturally significant to the national and declared as such by law or the pertinent cultural agency or agencies;
Important cultural property shall refer to a cultural property that has exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines, and has been officially declared as such by law or the pertinent cultural agency or agencies;
Intangible cultural heritage shall refer to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills, and the instruments, objects, and artifacts associated therewith that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage, such as: (1) oral traditions, languages, and expressions; (2) performing arts; (3) social practices, rituals, and festive events; (4) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; (5) traditionally craftsmanship; and (6) customary systems for justice and child welfare;
Intangible cultural property shall refer to peoples’ learned processes, along with the knowledge, skills, and creativity informed and developed by them, the products created, and the resources, spaces, and other aspects of social and natural context that are necessary for sustainability;
National cultural treasure shall refer to a unique cultural property found locally possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic, and/or scientific value, is highly significant and important to the country and nation, and has been officially declared as such by law or the pertinent cultural agency or agencies;
National historical shrines shall refer to historic sites or structures hallowed and revered for their history or association, as declared as such by law or the NHCP;
Nationally significant shall refer to historical, aesthetic, scientific, technical, social, and/or spiritual values that unify the nation by a deep sense of pride in their diverse yet common identities, cultural heritage, and national patrimony;
Natural property of cultural significance shall refer to natural heritage property of cultural significance for its tangible or intangible cultural heritage, whether or not covered by the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11038) or by other environmental laws;
Tangible cultural property shall refer to a cultural property with historical, archival, anthropological, archaeological, artistic, and architectural value, and with exceptional or traditional production, whether of Philippine origin or not, including antiques and natural history specimens with significant value.
The Cultural Agencies and Their Functions Related to Heritage Conservation
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), shall approve the declaration of historic structures and edifices such as national shrines, monuments and landmarks or heritage houses and shall regulate activities pertaining to the preservation, restoration, and conservation of historical property or resources. The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), shall take the lead in the study and preservation of the nation’s rich artistic cultural heritage, in the reconstruction and rebuilding of our past, and the development of the national cultural wealth. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is the overall policy-making and coordinating body for cultural and artistic development in the Philippines, and it also has the power to “regulate activities inimical to preservation/conservation of national cultural heritage/properties.”
Thus, the Cultural Properties and Regulation Division (CPRD) of NCCA was created to operationalize the transferred regulatory functions of the Republic Act No. 11333 or the “National Museum of the Philippines Act,” and ensure the continuous implementation of the R.A. 10066.
Cultural Properties and Regulation Division (CPRD)
The CPRD is a specialized division within the NCCA responsible for regulating and overseeing the protection, preservation, and conservation of the country’s cultural properties. The CPRD is divided into four sections:
- Permits and Licensing Section (previously the Permits and Compliance Section) of the Cultural Properties Regulation Division is tasked with issuing export permits and licenses for dealers of cultural properties. The PLS is essential in managing the circulation of cultural properties. Its main duty is to grant export permits to artists, collectors, museums, academicians, hobbyists, and the public. Additionally, the PLS supervises cultural property dealers and their agents to ensure compliance with regulations. This section is also responsible for collecting fees related to these permits.
- Enforcement Section serves as the law enforcement division of the CPRD. Its main role is to ensure adherence to Philippine and international laws, regulations, and bilateral agreements related to cultural properties, thereby ensuring their protection and preservation.
- The ENS is responsible for regulating exploration, excavation, and treasure hunting activities to safeguard historic, anthropological, and archaeological sites. It collaborates with UNACOM, other cultural agencies, and site managers to conserve and manage declared Philippine World Heritage Sites (WHS). The ENS also establishes cooperation and joint operations with other law enforcement and government agencies to enforce relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, it conducts educational initiatives to raise awareness about RA 11961 and other laws protecting the cultural properties of the Philippines.
- Declaration and Public Heritage Section (DPHS) manages heritage concerns related to the regulation of tangible cultural properties declared as Important Cultural Property (ICP), National Cultural Treasure (NCT), or presumed ICP due to their architectural, artistic, cultural, archaeological, and/or ethnographic significance. The DPHS ensures these cultural properties are protected from unauthorized interventions by approving plans based on international conservation standards and providing technical assistance for their preservation.
- Philippine Registry of Heritage (PRH) or Talapamana ng Pilipinas is the repository of all information pertaining to significant cultural heritage properties in the Philippines. It was established through Section 14, Article V of Republic Act 10066 (National Heritage Act of 2009), as amended by RA 11961.
The NCCA, alongside the National Historical Commission of the Philippinesand the National Museum of the Philippines, plays a vital role in the conservation and promotion of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. Through laws like R.A. 10066 and the dedicated work of divisions such as the CPRD, we strive to protect our cultural legacy for future generations. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this noble endeavor, ensuring that our heritage continues to inspire and enrich our nation.
For inquiries and concerns regarding cultural properties, contact CPRD through +63282483068 or [email protected].
