Message of UNACOM Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Abstract

Members of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Assistant Director-General Ernesto Ottone, Miss Fumiko Ohinata, Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, The Philippines expresses appreciation for the Committee’s favorable consideration of our first report on the status of the element: Buklog, thanksgiving ritual system of the Subanen, inscribed in the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding (USL). Buklog is a complex and elaborate thanksgiving ritual of the Subanen in Southern Philippines. The Philippines is pleased to report that with the leadership of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), we have implemented key initiatives such as the formation of a Buklog task force, the documentation of the practice and the establishment of community-based Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) from 2019-2023 to safeguard the Buklog ritual. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 which posed risks to the welfare of the communities and practitioners, the holding of the ritual actually surged during the lockdowns, reflecting the importance the Subanen community places on the ritual, ensuring its value and promising its viability. To be specific, 14 major Buklog rituals were held, proving the continued survival of the ritual despite emerging global threats. As we presented in our report, in order to ensure continuity and sustainability of safeguarding measures for the Buklog, we are continuously updating the Comprehensive Safeguarding Plan (CSP) with the widest possible involvement of the Subanen communities and assisting organizations. It is envisioned that by 2028, plans and programs will continuously address threats to the practice and ensure its viability; strengthen and expand collaborations with the Subanen community, local government offices and cultural agencies and deepen appreciation for and awareness of Subanen traditional knowledge and skills. We remain committed to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and sharing our experience and expertise in safeguarding and advancing the ideals of the 2003 convention through our candidacy for membership in the committee for the term 2026-2030. To conclude, allow me to share with you a short clip showing the Subanen’s Buklog ritual. Thank you very much! Muchas gracias a todos!