Machuca Tiles in the Philippine Cultural Landscape

Abstract

This pioneering study addresses a critical gap in Philippine heritage research and policy by focusing on the documentation, analysis, and recognition of traditional craftsmanship as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). While practices such as handcrafted cement tile-making have persisted for over a century, they remain largely unrecognized and understudied in scholarly literature and unrecognized in national heritage registries. The objective of the research is to investigate how Machuca Baldozas, Inc. (established in 1903), has sustained its traditional handcrafted cement tile-making while innovating to meet modern market demands, and to assess its role in Philippine heritage. The study hypothesizes that the company’s longevity and cultural significance are shaped by its management approach, intergenerational knowledge transmission, symbolic role in heritage spaces, and innovation. The analysis is guided by a multidisciplinary conceptual framework encompassing heritage transmission (UNESCO, Smith, Salibay), sacred architecture and symbolism (McNamara, Rastelli, Lenik), brand identity and equity (Kapferer, Keller), and strategic management (RBV and VRIO frameworks). The research methodology employs a qualitative descriptive design with a case study approach, combining archival research, field observations, and semi-structured interviews with artisans and the company owner. A nationwide mapping and visual analysis of 86 Roman Catholic heritage churches was conducted, making this one of the first comprehensive documentations of Machuca tiles in Philippine ecclesiastical architecture. The results show that the presence of Machuca tiles in 86 Philippine Roman Catholic heritage churches, demonstrates tangible contribution to religious and architectural heritage, while the company also sustains intangible heritage through manual production methods and artisan mentorship, alongside strategic innovations such as customization, branding, and sustainability practices. The conclusion affirms that Machuca tile-making is eligible for ICH recognition under the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) and offers a model for balancing tradition and innovation, contributing to broader discussions on sustainable creative industries and traditional craftsmanship preservation.