Conservation and heritage preservation

Deep in the heart of Texas in the United States is the city of San Antonio. Interestingly, the original name of Texas was Nueva Filipinas. It is a historical fact that the Philippines was ruled from Mexico for many centuries. During the 250 of the Galleon Trade, there was a tremendous exchange in culture and humanity; one visible example was the original name of Texas. Named after Saint Anthony of Padua, the city of San Antonio was founded in 1691. It is the second oldest city in America after San Augustine, Florida. The city has gone on to become one of the best examples of historical conservation and urban renewal and planning in the world; hence, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in Texas. Mark Twain once said there are only four unique cities in America: Boston, New Orleans, San Francisco and San Antonio.

Each year approximately 26 million tourists visit San Antonio. The city has become renowned for its well-preserved historical landmarks, such as the Alamo (a legendary site upon which 189 men held off an invading army of 4,000 Mexican soldiers for 13 days), and stunning examples of urban redevelopment, such as the River Walk. The River Walk began its renaissance in 1929 as the brainchild of an architect named Robert Hugman. Over the next 80 years, a network of bridges, shops, malls, restaurants and hotels has developed on the banks of the formerly muddy and unattractive San Antonio River. Today, it is one of the pre-eminent examples of long-term urban and master planning.

The city of San Antonio has remade itself into a cultural center as well. They opened up the first museum of modern art, the McNay Museum, in Texas in 1950. In 1995, they opened up the San Antonio Public Library’s main branch designed by the famous Basque-Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta; it is now a major architectural landmark. The project was originally proposed and funded in 1989. One of the historic beer breweries from the early 20th century has been acquired by the Culinary Institute of America; they are turning the site into their new flagship culinary campus. This will likely reinvigorate a failing part of the city. However, one of the stipulations of the redevelopment of the brewery was they maintain the old facade. San Antonio’s focus on preservation of historic buildings is evident throughout the city. For example, Dillard’s (a popular department store) occupies, in downtown San Antonio, a five-story Art Deco building that was originally opened in 1889; it still maintains its original facade. The Alamo is in the middle of the city, yet there is a law that no shadow of any building may fall across its facade; this creates an oasis of greenery and light amidst the hustle of urban life.

The Philippines is blessed with a rich heritage; both man-made and natural. In many ways, we are also one of the most unique nations in Asia, and the world. Our culture is a blend of European, Asian and the West; our architecture, our cuisine, our art, even our religion exhibits these influences. We are reminded daily of our need to conserve and protect our environment for future generations. But, we must also focus on preserving our cultural heritage as well.

San Antonio provides a good example of how cultural and historic resources can be preserved and utilized for the public good. The city now contributes to a thriving tourism industry as one of the cultural centers of the United States. Texas once borrowed our name, now we must borrow some of their ideas. Our cultural heritage and uniqueness is a resource, it is time we begin to properly use it.