Ruins or Built Heritage: A Comparative Assessment of the Conservation Management of Three Historic Churches in Albay Province

Abstract

The conservation management of heritage buildings requires evaluation and assessment periodically because heritage management responds to changing societal values and needs. This undergraduate thesis is a qualitative comparative assessment of three historic churches in Albay Province: Cagsawa Church Ruins, Daraga Church, and Camalig Church. The study focuses on assessing their conservation approaches, influential factors for conservation, and the status of their conservation management. The frameworks of the study incorporate the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 or Republic Act No. 10066 (R.A. 10066) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP’s) Standards and Guidelines in Maintaining Historic Sites and Structures to determine whether these conservation approaches are appropriate and compliant with relevant laws and guidelines. Through thematic and comparative analysis, key themes are identified as: (1) Proactive Approach in Maintenance Work, (2) Restoration as Conservation Management, (3) Passive Approach to Conservation Management, (4) History, Culture, and Religion as Catalysts for Conservation, (5) Cautious Approach in Conservation, (6) Overcoming Past Challenges for Current Sustainable Conservation, and (7) Partial Compliance to NHCP Standards and Guidelines for Maintenance. A SWOT analysis has been utilized to identify factors that could impact the success of conservation efforts. Addressed in the study are three historic churches proximate to Mayon Volcano, which pose an increased risk of hazards, such as natural disasters, man-made disasters, and deterioration. This evidence further emphasizes the need to assess and implement appropriate conservation measures to conserve the natural integrity of these structures, which are considered main parts of the Bicolano Catholic culture.