HT WEEK 6 Heritage Sites

A.
Natural Heritage Attractions

 Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in Palawan
Tubbataha is every diver’s heaven. More than being a top diving spot in the Philippines,
Tubbataha Reef offers a grandeur like no other. This spectacular underwater world is considered
as one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Surrounding you are fresh air and water that’s
so clear and pristine, you can see corals and fish 30 feet below.
Tubbataha Reef is known for its extraordinary biodiversity. The area covers 130,028 hectares of
high quality marine habitats. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to a great diversity of marine
life—whales, dolphins, sharks and turtles are the species found here.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park lies in a unique position in the middle of the Sulu Sea, and is one
of the Philippines’ oldest ecosystems. Aside from being a famous diving spot, it also plays a key
role in the process of reproduction, the reef ecosystem are over 350 species of coral and almost
500 species of fish.
 Mount Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument
Believe it or not, Camiguin’s interesting terrain was caused by volcanoes. That’s the reason it’s
called the “Island Born of Fire”. The Island’s only current active volcano. Aside from its
endemic flora and fauna, it also features stunning waterfalls, such as Katibawasan, Binangawan
and Tuasan. Cold and hot springs, like Ardent and Sto. Niño. And winding rivers, such as Sagay
and Binangawan.
 Mount Apo Natural Park
Mount Apo is the largest and the tallest mountain on the island of Mindanao and in the entire
Philippines. The mountain has an elevation of 9,692 ft or stands at 3, 143.6 meters above sea
level. and is located between the city of Davao and the province of Davao Del Sur. Mount Apo is
home to over 272 species of birds of which 111 species are endemic to the mountain. It’s base is
so large, it’s even bigger than the whole island of Singapore
 Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park
Kitanglad Mountain Range is a mountain range that dominates the northern central portion of the
province of Bukidnon. It occupies portions of eight of the municipalities and cities in the
province such as Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo
Fortich, Impasugong, Lantapan and Malaybalay. The range is one of the few
remaining rainforests in the Philippines, hosting one of the most important diverse species of rare
and endemic wildlife such as the Philippine eagle. Five of its peaks have very high
elevations: Mount Dulang-dulang, the highest at 2,941 meters; Mount Kitanglad at 2,899
meters; Mount Maagnaw at 2,742 meters; Mount Lumuluyaw at 2,612 meters; and Mount
Tuminungan at 2,400 meters. The name "kitanglad" was derived from a legend that there was
once a great flood that submerged the native lands of Bukidnon and only the tip of the mountain,
the size of a "tanglad" (lemon grass), remained visible.
 Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Eastern Mindanao
When talking about the most beautiful forests, rarely it happens that the Philippines is
mentioned. But the country has something grand to be proud of, too—Mount Hamiguitan Range
Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental, Mindanao’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 2014. It has a height of 1,620 metres (5,315 ft). The mountain and its vicinity has one of the
most diverse wildlife populations in the country. Among the wildlife found in the area
are Philippine eagles and several species of Nepenthes. Nepenthes is a carnivorous plants, such
as the Nepenthes peltata and Nepenthes micramphora, are endemic to the area. This woodland is
noted for its unique pygmy forest with many endangered, endemic and rare species of flora and
fauna. The Mount Hamiguitan range, with an area of 6,834 hectares.
 Mount Makiling Nature Reserve
A dormant volcano in laguna, Mount Makiling is believed to be riddled with mysteries. Who
doesn’t know of the tales of its mystical dweller and protector, Maria Makiling? Even the ridges
of the mountain are said to be similar to the shape of the sleeping diwata. The Makiling forest
reserve was established in 1910, and then declared as a National Botanic Garden in 1920.
 Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan
It’s not surprising at all when Palawan has been recognized as the best island in the world by
international travel magazines. With its pristine beaches and breathtaking lagoons, you will never
be disappointed at what’s waiting for you. One charming treasure of Palawan that truly stands
out is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It is one of the longest underground
rivers in the world that outflows directly to the sea, you will see natural rock formations. The
river is also called 'Puerto Princesa Underground River'. The City Government of Puerto
Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1999, and voted as a New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
B. Cultural Heritage Attractions
 Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
The Banaue Rice Terraces, locally known as the Hagdan-Hagdang Palayan, are undoubtedly a
source of pride not just for the Ifugaos but also for Filipinos across the world. These have taken
the center stage in tourism ads and are always a regular backdrop of many souvenir photos. The
Ifugaos are probably the best engineers in the world and the rice terraces located in the remote
areas of cordillera mountain proved this. All carved by hand, the terraces mimic structure of
stairs often mistakenly called hagdan hagdan palayan, but locally known as payao or payaw.
Located at the foot of the Cordillera mountain ranges in the northern island of Luzon, this
destination will definitely take your breath away as you get lost by the astounding view of these
rice paddies. Because of its magnificence, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage
List in 1995.
 The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin
The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin, or simply known as the San Agustin
Church, is one of the four churches grouped by UNESCO as the Baroque Churches of the
Philippines. These churches, which were all built during the Spanish colonial era, were declared
as World Heritage Sites back in 1993. Like the other baroque churches of the Philippines, San
Agustin Church in Manila exhibits its remarkable features such as retablos (altars) of high
Baroque style and wall buttresses separating cripto collateral chapels. The San Agustin Church,
built between 1587 and 1606, is considered the oldest and longest standing church in the country.
The church was the only structure left intact in Intramuros during World War II. This is also the
only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Manila.
 Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva (Miag-ao, Iloilo)
Also known as the Miagao Church, built in 1786 is the second of the four churches collectively
known as the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Is one of the most visited tourist attractions
in Iloilo. More than a place of worship, it also served as a fortress. Before Miag-ao, there were
two churches that were built in town but both were burned by Muslim raiders and pirates. It was
just in 1786 when the construction of Miag ao Church Iloilo started and completed in 1797.
Since then, it served two purposes: a place of worship and a fortress against Muslim raiders and
pirates. During the revolution in 1898, the church was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt in the
same year. In 1910, the church was damaged by fire. While in 1948, it was damaged by an
earthquake and the restoration was completed in 1962. Throughout the years, it has gone to many
wars and revolutions, fires and earthquakes and survived. Due to the disasters and calamities it
went through, Miag ao Church underwent restoration work several times already. In 1974, Miag
ao Church Iloilo was declared as a National Landmark. And in 1993 it was listed by UNESCO as
a World Heritage Site. Its old structure, history, and its UNESCO World Heritage mark make it a
treasure not only for Iloilo but for the Philippines.
 Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur)

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, commonly known as the Santa Maria Church is
the third church under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It is also one of the two churches
in the Ilocos Region that has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church was
designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993 as part of the Baroque
Churches of the Philippines. The Santa Maria Church is an attraction to both tourists and
Catholics in Ilocos Sur. It is not only a reminiscent of the four centuries of Spanish domination
of that area but also a unique structure with a diversified architectural design of bricks and
mortar. When we say mortar, it is a workable paste used to make bricks or blocks. It was built on
top of a hill not only as a lookout but as a religious center during the early administration of the
region by both the friars and soldiers of Spain.
 Saint Augustine Church (Paoay, Ilocos Norte)
The fourth World Heritage Site classified under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
The Saint Augustine Church commonly known as the Paoay Church, is a Roman
Catholic church in the Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in
1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on
the sides and back of the building. This is popular for its 24 coral-block buttresses. The heritage
site amid or surrounded by sprawling green lawn and brick walkways. While Paoay Church’s
construction began in 1604 and was completed in 1710, its coral stone bell tower, standing at
some distance from the church, was finished in the second half of the 18th century. In the
Philippines bell towers were intended to be constructed at a distance from the main church
structure to avoid its falling on the church during earthquakes. The Baroque architecture in the
Philippines was designed to protect structures from calamities especially earthquakes. The
architecture is known as “Earthquake Baroque” and Paoay Church is one of the most notable
“earthquake baroque” structures in the country. It is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by
the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective
group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993. Being one of UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in the Philippines, Paoay Church has become a top tourist destination in the region.
 Historic City of Vigan
Heritage houses, cobblestone streets, kalesas, historic attractions, and delicious cuisine—these
spell out Vigan City. As one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in the world, Vigan
City has a unique charm that anyone would be attracted to. In fact, you might not see much of its
classic architecture and matching cobblestoned streets elsewhere in the Philippines. Plus, there
are food and attractions of interest in and around the city that surely make the 8 to 10-hour road
trip so worth it. In the 17th century, Vigan City witnessed one of the bloodiest wars in Philippine
history—the revolt by Diego and Gabriela Silang against the Spaniards. Wayback 1940’s during
World War II, Vigan came close to destruction at the hands of the Japanese, if not for a priest
taking in the Filipino wife and child of the city’s Japanese military commander, on the condition
that Vigan be spared. But the battles didn’t stop there because after the war, in the 1970s, the
town became a battleground again but this time, between political clans vying for control of
Ilocos.

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A.

Natural Heritage Attractions

 Mount Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument

 Mount Apo Natural Park

 Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park

 Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

 The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin

 Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva (Miag-ao, Iloilo)

 Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur)

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