HB10057: STRENGTHENING THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF PHILIPPINE CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH CULTURAL MAPPING AND AN ENHANCED CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION PROGRAM
This House Bill aims to strengthen the conservation and protection of Philippine cultural heritage by mandating comprehensive cultural mapping by Local Government Units (LGUs) and enhancing cultural heritage education programs. It amends Republic Act No. 10066, the "National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009," by redefining terms like "cultural mapping" and "natural heritage" and establishing new provisions. LGUs are required to identify, record, and utilize cultural heritage resources and activities for community building and empowerment, coordinating with various national agencies such as the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
The bill also integrates cultural heritage education programs into formal, alternative, and informal education, with a focus on protection, conservation, and preservation of cultural property. It emphasizes research and documentation of heritage, utilization of cultural heritage for sustainable development, and capacity building for agencies and communities through culture-based approaches. Importantly, the inclusion of cultural properties belonging to Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property will be subject to prior consultation and their Free, Prior, and Informed Consent.