The richness of the Filipino's history, heritage, identity, and culture is expressed so well in its art and architecture. These form part of the priceless treasure trove of our national patrimony. All the more, then, should these treasures be formally catalogued, named, recognized and protected — to acknowledge the contexts in which they were born and to singularly preserve them for the generations to come.

This is the main intent of RA 10066 or the National Heritage Act of 2009, under which National Cultural Treasure Declarations is authorized. These treasures are recognized as Cultural Properties of the Philippines.