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LONG a vanguard of Philippine culture, historian, heritage
conservationist, and columnist Ana Maria Harper, known
affectionately to many as Bambi, now serves as administrator of the
colonial walled city of Intramuros. Tourism Secretary Ace Durano
swore her into office on March 24.
As Intramuros administrator, she leads not only
the preservation of centuries-old walls, turrets and catacombs, but
also the overseas the daily life and growth of its residents,
visitors and businesses.
Built upon the former royal residences of
Manila’s pre-colonial datus [chieftains], Intramuros was walled
and hemmed with a moat (now a golf course) to protect in Spanish
colonial rulers to the exclusion of indigenous Chinese and many
native Filipinos. It is the nucleus for modern day Manila. During
the Second World War, it witnessed the torture of Filipinos by
Japanese Imperial forces. The US military obliterated much of the
city with indiscriminate aerial bombing towards the end of the war.
Today a tourist attraction and a preferred
wedding venue, Intramuros is the sight of walking tours and the
backdrop of many treasured memories. Within its walls are the Manila
Cathedral and the San Agustin church, universities, museums, a golf
course, government and private offices, restaurants and cafes as
well as residents.
Currently, Intramuros faces many challenges:
vagrancy, traffic, commercialization, pollution and a lack of
vision. Harper brings with her credibility, charisma and
determination.
Harper is a founding member of the Concerned
Citizens for the National Museum, Inc.; founding president of the
Heritage Conservation Society; and festival director of the Filipino
Heritage Festival, Inc., which has successfully held an annual
nationwide cultural showcase.
Harper is also commissioner of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and
council member of the National Trust Foundation. She also held
various posts including executive committee member of the
Presidential Commission on Culture and Arts, commissioner of the
Manila Historical Commission, and consultant to the Department of
Tourism.
The conservationist also was the first Pama—as
Gintong Bai awardee for cultural heritage conservation, an honor she
received in 2005 during the celebration of the Centennial Year of
the Feminist Movement of the Philippines.
She is working on a degree toward a Doctorate in
Arts and Letters from the University of the Philippines.
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