Building peace in the minds of men and women since 1951

15 May 2023

MR. VICTORINO MAPA MANALO

Chairperson, National Commission on Culture and the Arts
Intramuros, Manila

ATTN: Mr. Oscar G. Casaysay

Executive Director

Dear Chair Manalo,

Good day.

Relative to NCCA’s reply dated 09 May 2023 to our request letter for updates
on the collaborative project with the Ifugao State University (IFSu) last 19 April 2023,
the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) acknowledges the
officially communicated updates, but notes that they are inconsistent with what was
being conveyed to us by your World Heritage Coordinator, Mr. Karl Albais, through
informal channels; and as validated with our IFSu partners.

Our request letter was intended to open communication lines to provide all
with a clear understanding of the situation. It was a surprise for us to learn that there
were delays in the project despite the complete submission of the reports to the
World Heritage Center. We requested for updates with the intent to gain a more
comprehensive understanding of the situation given all the informal communication
and potentially utilizing your letter as a supporting document to bridge the NCCA and
IFSu and address the communication challenges reported at both ends.

This was discussed during the meeting of NCCA-CPPRD with Dr. Ivan
Anthony Henares in his capacity as Commissioner last 05 May 2023 (Friday). In that
meeting, CPPRD conveyed its request for assistance regarding the Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) which UNACOM initially agreed to on the provision that the
request be officially communicated because no correspondences relative to the
concern had been sent to UNACOM from the NCCA. Given that the MOA is a legal
document, there is a need for an official transmittal to UNACOM for Deputy
Executive Director Lindsay Barrientos to sign it. Ms. Barrientos had consistently
reminded Mr. Albais of the need for official communication from the NCCA before
she would sign the document.

With this context, UNACOM regrets the tone of the letter framing Ms.
Barrientos and IFSu President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon as the parties that
constrained the NCCA from downloading the tranches as “the MOA is yet to be
signed by the involved agencies in the original agreement, particularly your good
Office and IFSu” especially since there was no formal request from the NCCA for
Ms. Barrientos to sign the MOA. This request to sign the said document was only
transmitted through your reply letter dated 09 May 2023.

Department of Foreign Affairs Tel. No. : (+632) 8834 3447 / 4843 Fax No.: (+632) 8831 8873
2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Email : secretariat@unesco.gov.ph
1300 Philippines Website : www.unesco.gov.ph
 While this case is unfortunate, we continue to strive to strengthen our
institutional partnership. UNACOM reiterates its cooperation for this particular
engagement, even in our role as “witness” of the MOA (re-)signing. Further, while it
is reported that NCCA and IFSu have active communication, it is apparent that the
communication has become clouded – as evidenced by your letter and the prior
communication from IFSu. It may be helpful for the parties to meet again, and recall
and clarify points to ensure clear and concise messaging, and for full understanding
of parties’ responsibilities and accountabilities.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

LAURENCE WILFRED DUMADAG

Officer-in-Charge

Department of Foreign Affairs Tel. No. : (+632) 8834 3447 Fax No.: (+632) 8831 8873
2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Email : secretariat@unesco.gov.ph
1300 Philippines Website : www.unesco.gov.ph