LINGAYEN – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is set to enact an ordinance prescribing guidelines for the determination and declaration of historical and cultural resources of the province.

The proposed ordinance is authored by Board Member Von Mark R. Mendoza and Angel G. Baniqued.

Under the measure, the Provincial Council for Culture and Arts headed by Gov. Victor Agbayani will serve as the lead agency in carrying out the tasks. It will be assisted by a technical working group (TWG) headed also by the governor.

“The TWG shall be primarily responsible for the continuing determination and preservation of public and private cultural resources, historical districts and sites that may be subsequently declared as such,” Baniqued said.

Among other things, the TWG is also tasked to: Adopt and implement guidelines for the designation of historic districts and sites and cultural resources of the province; Maintain and update a list of historic districts and sites and cultural resources;

Review and regulate all proposed public and private historic sites and cultural resources that may be subsequently declared as such with corresponding permits: develop and recommend the adoption of a Provincial General Conservation Plan; and develop and recommend incentive programs for conservation of provincial historic and cultural resources and landmarks.

Baniqued said that among areas or structures to be declared as historic sites and cultural resources are buildings, residence, streets, landscapes, communities or any appropriate structure.

Under the proposed ordinance, properties declared as historic sites or cultural resources shall be assessed at a fixed rate of ten percent assessment level as incentive to the owners. (Jennifer Domantay/ PIO)