Quite often, we have been asked that question by perplexed overseas Filipinos who come home to this dear county only to find out that hardly anything looks familiar. ”We” means members of the Heritage Conservation Society, a certified non-governmental organization established in 1994, of which I am now president. Where’s my town plaza? – asked a former resident of Biñan; it sounded more like a lament. Right he was, the Biñan plaza is nowhere to be found. In fact, so many of our plazas are “missing”.
As a result of chaotic growth, our towns and cities are being challenged by numerous social problems, the most urgent being the lack of productive employment and quality life.
If you are appalled that your town plaza is missing, come to our one-day seminar on 8 November, at The Development Academy of the Philippines in Pasig City. The Heritage Conservation Society, Urban Partnerships Foundation and the University of the Philippines History Department will present fascinating case studies, after which there will be a Mayors’ forum.
This seminar is designed to deepen our understanding of how our towns and cities originated and evolved so we can face the challenges of the present and future together. Those interested can call 5212239 and 8951812.
