The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex: cultural heritage at the heart of sustainable development

Abstract

Culture plays a key role towards sustainable development as it affects the social equity, environmental responsibility and economic viability. In simplest term, sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without undermining the needs of future generations. Cultural heritage such as the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, must not be sacrificed in view of urbanization for it is essential to sustainable development Declared as National Historical Landmark and Important Cultural Property, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was previously eyed as a primary lot which would have house brand new commercial establishments. Community-collective actions of opposition from cultural agencies, heritage advocates and citizens ended the threat of demolition. By using the framework that follows the UN System Task Team on the Post-2015 UN Development Agenda (2012) and John Hawkes’ four pillars of sustainable development (2001), series of interview, library research, assessment of the place, it was concluded that sustainable development cannot be realized without culture. The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex as a public space contributes to the social inclusiveness and rootedness of the community. It is also a green open space that acts as a “sponge” in the middle of the concrete jungle of Manila. Conserving this cultural heritage can improve the city’s image and stimulate further urban development, to attract tourists and investors. Culture heritage at the heart of sustainable development is finding a way where the old meets the present for the future.