IJAPS, Vol. 17, No. 2, 39–73, 2021 © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2021. This work is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). PEOPLE AND THE SEA: A VALUES PERSPECTIVE IN THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OF MARITIME HERITAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES Kristine Kate A. Lim * Institute of Geographical Sciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany E-mail: kate.a.lim@gmail.com Bobby C. Orillaneda ** Maritime and Cultural Underwater Heritage Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Philippines E-mail: bobby.orillaneda@gmail.com Catherine P. King *** Institute for Scientifc Archeology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany E-mail: catherinemayking@gmail.com Published online: 30 July 2021 To cite this article: Lim, K. A., Orillaneda, B. C. and King, C. P. 2021. People and the sea: A values perspective in the conservation management of maritime heritage in the Philippines. International Journal of Asia Pacifc Studies 17 (2): 39–73. https://doi.org/10.21315/ijaps2021.17.2.3 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.21315/ijaps2021.17.2.3 ABSTRACT As demonstrated in archaeology, underwater cultural heritage (UCH) has provided signifcant contributions towards the understanding of heritage connections across the globe. However, the development of the discipline in the Philippines has also been hampered by confusing legalities, treasure hunting activities, and fnancial constraints that diminish the infuence of its impact and potential reach. More so, the efects of natural hazards, climate change, and other human activities on UCH have not yet been fully documented, making it more susceptible to potential threats and destruction. The COVID-19 pandemic makes archaeological campaigns and monitoring even more difcult. These considerations make Philippine UCH