The Chemical Research Laboratory of the Anthropology Division of the National Museum was established in 1977, in pursuit of the objectives embodied in a Presidential Decree. The laboratory is developing as an important center for the conservation of cultural property in the Philippines. The history and activities of the laboratory are described and problems of pest control, museum climatology, and storage are noted. Examples are given of the conservation of textiles, wood, basketry, mats, bark cloths, and metals.