Preserving Memory: The Philippines Launches the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme

The UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM), in partnership with the Philippine National Memory of the World Committee, formally launched the UNESCO MoW Programme at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City. The event marks a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s rich documentary heritage and raising public consciousness of its universal value.

The UNESCO MoW Programme is a global initiative that seeks to identify, preserve, and provide access to humanity’s most valuable documentary legacies — ranging from rare books and manuscripts to photographs, audiovisual recordings, films, scientific breakthroughs, and digital files. It guards against what UNESCO calls “collective amnesia,” ensuring that the world’s intellectual and historical treasures are safeguarded and celebrated.

Gathering over 150 participants, the launch brought together the Diplomatic Corps, government representatives, librarians, archivists, historians, educators, media professionals, local communities, and heritage advocates to celebrate and champion the preservation of Philippine documentary heritage.

During the event, UNACOM Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Henares commended the members of the National MoW Committee for their vital work in identifying and nominating significant documents to the different MoW Registers, and for cultivating a national network of memory champions.

Renowned filmmaker and film historian Professor Nick Deocampo, Chairperson of the National MoW Committee, emphasized the need for cultural literacy through grassroots outreach, roadshows, and study modules that seek to generate nominations and embed the value of memory and heritage in the Filipino consciousness.

A highlight of the launch was the “Pagpaparangal sa Pambansang Pamanang Dokumentaryo”, a special tribute to the custodians of nine (9) Philippine documentary collections inscribed in the UNESCO MoW International, Regional, and National Registers. Among the awardees were National Artist Ramon Santos, descendants of traditional epic chanters from Iloilo, key cultural institutions like the National Library of the Philippines, National Museum of the Philippines, Culion Museum and Archives, UP Center for Ethnomusicology, Central Philippine University – CPU, and families of national figures such as President Manuel L. Quezon, National Artist Eddie Romero, and cinematic legend Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ).
Representing the FPJ Film Collection, Honorable Senator Grace Poe delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the awardees. She reflected on how her father’s cinematic legacy continues to resonate with the everyday struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people.

The event concluded with an engaging open forum, where Dr. Henares, Professor Deocampo, and UP Visayas Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano addressed questions from the public and media. The discussion underscored the need for continued collaboration, awareness, and inclusivity in growing the Memory of the World movement in the Philippines.

More photos here.