Asean cities face uphill battle to preserve heritage


Cultural asset: The Philippines is trying to have the San Sebastian Basilica listed as a World Heritage Site and preserve the country’s heritage value. – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network

RIGHT behind San Sebastian Basilica, one of Manila’s most revered churches, a high-rise condominium is under construction, triggering a conflict between developers and conservationists. The unsavoury development also threatens to derail the Philippines’ bid to have the monument listed as a World Heritage Site and preserve the country’s heritage value.

In some other Asean nations, like Thailand or Cambodia, which prioritised a tourism agenda to propel economic growth, activists are fighting a losing battle against developers to preserve built heritage.

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Focus

Iran debates whether it could make a deal with Trump
Food before flowers
China’s first-wave tycoons are retiring. Are their kids ready to step up?
A ‘new order’ of global anarchy
Democracy dies undefended
Will Trump launch a reign of terror against his list of enemies?
Prabowo’s masterclass in foreign policy
To the cutting board
E-commerce training is the way to go
Old-school celebrities could not help Democrats win

Others Also Read