The Community Participation of Existing Informal Settlers in the Continuing Preservation of Historic Intramuros as Manila’s Cultural Heritage Site

This study examines the continuing preservation of historic Intramuros with the community participation of the existing informal settlers residing in the historic site. By utilizing the qualitative approach of research with semi-structured interviews, results show that the Intramuros Administration (IA) considered several factors in crafting their development plans focused on preserving historic sites. IA also facilitated community engagement programs which encouraged the active community participation of the existing informal settlers in the area. This study also reveals the extent of the participation of the informal settlers in Intramuros in which they acknowledged their participation as vital in the success of the development plans of the IA and continues to compromise and support the goals set by the administration. This shows that the participation of the community is essential to cultural heritage preservation.