Intramuros Learning Sessions episode no. 8



Overview

Filipinos look with awe at Intramuros because of its long history of colonial prestige and power. However, occupying its marginal spaces amid imposing fortifications and impressive architecture are informal settlements that are also part of the identity of the walled city. For this presentation, I narrate the history of informal communities in Intramuros and show its significance to the issue of heritage. Their story can be traced to as early as the late Spanish colonial period and remains integral to the present-day campaign to preserve the walled city not just for tourists but for the next generation of Filipinos. I show that heritage conservation and the provision of informal housing, although seemingly contradictory pursuits, can coexist in a single space, an insight that ought to be understood in light of what is also happening in other low-income countries that are dependent on tourism.


  • Guest speaker: Michael Pante, Ph.D.
  • Moderator: Rancho Arcilla

About the Intramuros Learning Sessions

The Intramuros Learning Sessions (ILS) is the educational webinar series of the Intramuros Administration (IA). The IA is an attached national government agency under the Department of Tourism. 

Topics are interdisciplinary and cover themes related to Intramuros and Manila studies, Philippine studies, as well as cultural heritage studies. Pursuant to IA’s charter, the ILS aims to contribute to the strengthening of the Filipino’s national identity and sense of belonging and pride.


See Previous ILS Episode
In Praise of the Popular: Re-examining the Folk Santos
See Next ILS Episode
1945 Battle of Manila: The Intramuros Experience

Check out our previous ILS episodes here


For more information contact the Center for Intramuros Studies via [email protected]
Cannot find what you are looking for? Try requesting for more data via our eFOI Portal.