"Still, the need for preserving heritage against an ever deteriorating world"

"Still, the need for preserving heritage
 against an ever deteriorating world"

For as rapid urbanisation continuously takes place in Philippine society one would say that the city's known image is as also fast deteriorating especially when its urban fabric being strained by the emergence of various structures that mostly cater to the demands of an ever growing metropolis.

And these structures, as far as this person concerns, is heavily concentrated on districts which mainly serves as its centre of development. And because of its nature and its limited land area, it is unsurprising that along with its deterioration, sudden in-fill developments and demolition of existing once-known structures hath been seen throughout.

Because of this, coupled by apathy and lack of awareness coming from various sectors would say that this meant loss of sensible spaces, reduction of open areas, and a potential loss of sociocultural heritage.

For a heritage conservationist the latter is much a serious issue meant to be addressed as part of keeping a district or a community's identity. Knowing that with those structures carries an art that's visible, tangible, and enduring, would say that it's character brought by its physical features reflect its era when it was built and the socioeconomic state of the area during those times- and from there this meant how these structures been part of a community's history, be it significant or ordinary.

But as a ContemporAntiquitarian, these structures are more than just carriers of its art and history alone, but gives an identity meant to upheld amidst this so-called modern world. Call this person Evolan in invoking a revolt against the modern world, or a Fayeite in the need to merge modern technologies and cherished cultures and traditions; but in preserving cultural heritage, irrespective of its era and purpose is driven by its innermost tradition such as an inherent progressive view that's meant to be continuous in an ever changing world.

However, this view is increasingly meaningless in this very present time. That every structure, regardless of its historical or cultural significance, is being threatened by chaotic trends particularly developmental aggresion in these urban and suburban enclaves. The process of heritage decay is inevitable due to postindustrial urban constructions in one hand and the time dependent nature of heritage in the other, that again deemed unsurprising and seriously concerning for this.

Thus an outmost urgent need for conservation and preservation is much considered, involving a need for adaptive reuse, of spreading awareness making it relevant in an ever changing times.

If not as foundations for a future that is, rooted. Admittingly speaking, from traversing prewar edifices of Escolta and Binondo to the idealised structures of Pasig and Makati one would say that these structures carrieth a "soul" that promoted progress and development, but, that same progress and development makes one forgots the significance of the structure, or the district.

In fact, Escolta did face the demolition ball, one of which was the former Philippine National Bank head office, that despite its future-driven appearance made by National Artist Carlos Argüelles didn't escape from the wrecking ball that's approved by former Mayor Estrada and his moneyed camarilla. The former Capitol theatre and the old Hamilton building didn't escape from the demolition ball despite the justification such as "façadism" brought by the developer (and not even discussed by heritage conservationists who brought the idea of adaptive reuse), what more of the former American Chambre of Commerce which thankfully, not been destroyed altogether due to the efforts of the conservationists situated in its neighbouring Perez-Samanillo.

But as for this person would say that this isn't enough. Sometimes in discussing about heritage conservation would say that they're just limiting to things aesthetically pleasing to them, but did they lament over the demolishing of the power plants at Isla de Provisor or at Sucat Parañaque? This did create an identity not just because of their familiar chimneys, but these did promote science, industry, development, all despite the nature of those buildings that's "plain and dull" as opposed to the "grandiose" nature of the church or house of a known personality, but again, these did contribute to the development of a society, and thus quite wondering the apathy as opposed to other countries' stressing importance the role of industry in nation building, thus, the idea of conserving industrial structures.

But again, regardless of what they are these didn't escape the wrath of the demolition ball as interest seekers shrug its significance for their perception of development. This modern version of systemisation used in Romania decades ago hath been done even in this present setting all in the name of progress. This person was also surprised that the Ayala, known for its adherence to heritage hath demolished Locsin's edifices like the Mandarin Oriental and Hotel Intercontinental in Makati, all for another possible glassy edifice to take place of these iconic structures; isn't it that an expression of irony?

Anyway, as time goes by it becomes a duty to spread awareness in making the old relevant in this modern times. The problem is this: "are they understood and willing to take part in this venture with heritage?"

For time lost is forever lost.