Culture should consider development needs: Atienza

"Efforts to preserve our cultural and historical heritage should also address the development needs of the present and future generations."

Thus declared Manila Mayor Lito Atienza in a keynote address delivered at the recently concluded 2001 Asia-Pacific Cultural Cooperation Conference held in Taipei,

In his speech, Atienza paraphrased a UNESCO study which states that "Any preservation effort should always take into consideration the needs of the present generation."

The conference was attended by forty-two mayors from countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Atienza, who represented the country in the conference, also chaired the workshop on "The Preservation of Cultural Heritage Program."

Atienza shared with the other delegates to the conference the experience of the city government of Manila, particularly its efforts to enhance Mehan Gardens by establishing a new City College of Manila campus there.

During the workshop chaired by Atienza, Hong Kong Cultural Commission Director Patrick Ho expressed his full support for Atienza’s views on the preservation of a community’s cultural heritage, and added his own inputs.

"We always have to remind ourselves not to be obsesses with a single tree that we lose sight of the whole forest. We need to consider sustainable preservation because we cannot just preserve and continue to maintain old sites and structures. We should develop the idea of combining preservation of old sites with present needs," Ho said in reaction to Atienza’s presentation.

Atienza also responded to questions from other delegates regarding the peace and order situation in his city by inviting them to come to Manila and enjoy its attractions.

"Manila is one of the most peaceful cities in the world. We have beautiful plazas all over the city that you can tour and we are also considered a premier shopping destination. We have high quality but affordable consumer items, and for about $200, you can fill two suitcases. We have outdoor cafes and restaurants that offer various cuisine as well as entertainment places that feature world class performances of local artists," Atienza explained.

Atienza and Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou signed a Letter of Intent for an Artist-in-Residence Exchange Program between Manila and Taipei.

The agreement is expected to result in closer cooperation and exchange in the field of arts and culture between the two cities.