A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999

The town of Carcar in Cebu, Philippines is considered to be the "cradle of Cebuano heritage". It is the most heavily influenced Spanish town in the province. This year, the town church is celebrating its 400111 founding anniversary. Looking forward to economic advancement, Carcar exemplifies a typical historic town possessing a dynamic system prone to physical changes at the same carrying within its existence a historic identity that needs to be preserved. Both characteristics are being recognized by the local government but the economic situation is given more emphasis for development, leaving the heritage resource vulnerable to the effects of change in the built environment. Presently, there is the consideration to implement a conservation and restoration program for the town. Since Carcar is also rearing for urban development to proceed full scale, it is evident that both serves to benefit the town in their own distinctive way. However, to initiate the urban development without regards to the conservation and protection needs of the heritage resources, as it is the case now, this condition results in an un-coordinated and conflicting implementation of plans and policies. Thus, to be able to meet the municipality's zeal in achieving its development goals, striking a balance between heritage conservation and urban development through the integration of a conservation plan in the current town development plan is the ·most appropriate measure for this situation.