Angara calls for action to preserve cultural heritage

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today urged all Filipinos to preserve and promote the country's national heritage.

"The Philippines is blessed with rich resources and heritage. It is sad to note that in spite of this comparative advantage; the Philippines' share of the tourist market is negligible compared to its Asian neighbors," said Angara.

He holds responsible the Filipinos failure to recognize that the Philippines has much to offer than beautiful beaches and resorts.

"We have always been lovers of the art, culture and our national heritage. Although many people would nowadays opt to visit foreign countries, there are still those who faithfully try to preserve the country's historic places and promote them despite little government support."

Senator Angara filed the National Cultural Heritage Act which aims to protect and preserve the country's cultural treasures.

He pointed out that much of our cultural heritage has given way to modernization and commercialization.

"We are running so fast to modernize, we tear down our cultural riches, sooner or later, we will have big modern buildings and a citizenry oblivious of its history," he said.

Angara stressed that our heritage is the groundwork where we can build upon our present, as well as the future. More than the tourism value, the senator is confident that by preserving our cultural heritage, "we will tap new markets and create ripple-like opportunities that would generate income and employment for our people."

"Investing in the preservation of our heritage would prevent cultural bankruptcy in the future."