Press Release
October 18, 2008

Maestranza wall restoration ushers boon for Manila tourism

The ongoing restoration of the Maestranza Wall would add impetus to the government's firm resolve to convert Manila as the country's premier destination for both local and foreign tourists, Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon has said.

Gordon made the exhortation at the recent cornerstone-laying ceremonies signaling the start of restoration works for the Maestranza Wall and the Baluarte de Hereiras in Intramuros.

"We have long awaited for the restoration of the Maestranza Wall and wish to express our happiness that it has finally broken ground. We thank the Japanese government and all those who have supported this project," he said.

"In restoring the Maestranza wall, we reclaim not only our history and heritage but also chart a bold, new direction for our country's future," he added, as he thanked former Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kojiro Takano for the $5-million donation for the project.

During his term as tourism secretary, it may be recalled that Gordon had secured a commitment from the Japanese government to help in rebuilding the part of the wall of Intramuros that was destroyed in World War II.

In a short speech at the project site, Gordon likewise underscored the social significance of the project.

"Unlike one's acquisition of a mansion which may have figured in recent political history, the Maestranza restoration project as well as efforts to revitalize Intramuros is not just about bringing our past back to life for students of history, it is also about giving livelihood to thousands who will benefit from increased tourist traffic," he pointed out.

The Maestranza project is part of Gordon's vision to make Intramuros the Philippine's largest living cultural and historical museum which he likened to the Smithsonian Institute.

Other projects envisioned for Intramuros include an Islamic-Ecclesiastical Center apart from different types of museums that will undertake the exhibition and safekeeping of various archeological and historical treasures.

"We will not rest until Intramuros is restored to its rightful place. We will work for as long as it takes to see it as a resurgent Intramuros, whose walls no longer serve to divide the privileged from the destitute," Gordon said.

For the fiscal year 2007, the Intramuros Administration reported a total income of Php 73,443,220.75. Rental income for 2007, at Php 8,550,005.76, constitutes only 11.64% of total income.

Once completed, the Maestranza Project will create additional leasable areas for restaurants, coffee shops and quality stores and further increase the rental income of the Intramuros Administration by

"The walls of Intramuros is a constant reminder that we must challenge ourselves to continuously fight to break free from the walls in our minds. It tells us of the story of thousands of Filipino heroes who fought against two global super powers and won our nation's freedom,' he said.

"It also tells us that our freedom is something we continue to fight for as we do the work of lifting millions out of poverty, providing security to those under threat, and create economic opportunities," he added.

The Maestranza Wall or the Almacenes Curtain Wall and the Bastion Hereiras de Maestranza were key components of the defense perimeter of Intramuros. It protected Intramuros from possible attacks coming from the Pasig River.

Inside its perimeter walls were the Almacenes Reales or the Royal Warehouses. Erected in 1591, these were storehouses for goods unloaded along the river wharfs, to supply the fort and other institutions in the city.

These warehouses were rebuilt as soldiers' quarters after Plaza Moriones was fenced off in 1864. During the term of Gov. Jose de Torralba (1709-1717), the Maestranza (foundry and arsenal) were transferred nearby. In 1796, the area was demolished and a new riverfront was built and called the Muelle de Almecenes.

The Maestranza wall was destroyed on December 27, 1941, along with the rest of the city, when the Japanese forces bombed Manila.

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