Press Release
September 11, 2014

Sen. Pia: Development and heritage can go together

I am pleased that the issue of the preservation of the Rizal Monument sightline and the impact of Torre de Manila on it has gained the interest and support from the public, media and social media. Subsequently, this renewed interest in preserving our heritage has cascaded to other historic sites which are similarly under threat, or are in the process of being saved or developed. These sites include the Army and Navy Club in Manila Bay; the proposed removal of the Anda Circle to help ease traffic at the port area; and reports that an archaeological zone in Sta. Ana, Manila is being threatened by digging and construction activities to erect condominium towers.

I wish to share the concerns being raised on the Army and Navy Club, a national historical landmark as declared by the NHCP (National Historical Commission of the Philippines) in April, 1991. A project is underway to convert the historic building into a boutique hotel and spa by the Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation.

During my Senate hearing on the Torre de Manila controversy (September 4), Architect Wilkie Delumen, NHCP Historic Preservation Division Chief, confirmed that the redevelopment project had secured a permit from the Manila City government. Heritage advocates, however, have questioned why demolition work has proceeded even while Oceanville has yet to submit a redevelopment plan in compliance with the requirements of the NHCP.

Reports reaching our office indicate that the annex of the building has been demolished, while the interior of the main building has allegedly been knocked down and stripped out. I laud the NHCP for issuing a cease and desist order for Oceanville to comply with its requirements. It is high time that developers heed and respect the authority of our cultural agencies. We must avoid situations similar to DMCI's Torre de Manila project where zoning laws and heritage guidelines were sidetracked or entirely disregarded.

Caring for our heritage is a collective responsibility. Whether one is a government official, a developer, or ordinary citizen, each of us must observe diligence and be mindful of our role in safeguarding our historical heritage. Our quest for growth and urban development should not be at the expense of eliminating the surviving symbols of our rich past as a nation.

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