The Battle Between Heritage Conservation and Modern Development in Manila
The debate between heritage conservation and modern development is once again raging in Manila’s heritage zone, where one of the country’s most historical churches, Sta. Ana Church or the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, has stood since the 1700s. This centuries-old church holds immense cultural significance and has been declared a historical building since 1936.
Adding to its value, the area surrounding the church within a 200-meter radius was designated as a heritage zone in 2014 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). This means that under Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, the local government is responsible for maintaining the appearance of streets, parks, monuments, buildings, and natural bodies of water in the vicinity, resembling their historical significance.
The establishment of Sta. Ana Church in 1578 marked the first Spanish Franciscan missionaries’ settlement outside Intramuros. Initially constructed using nipa and bamboo, a stone structure was built in 1720 and finalized in 1725. Today, it is recognized as the site of two national cultural treasures (NCTs): the Camarin dela Virgen (dressing room of Our Lady of the Abandoned) and the Sta. Ana Site Museum. Despite surviving countless disasters and World War II that destroyed much of Manila, the church now faces a new threat to its existence.
The construction of three 36-story condominium buildings just 170 meters away poses a significant risk. This project, known as Suntrust Ascentia, commenced in March and has raised concerns among the church’s parish priest, parishioners, and heritage advocates. They fear that the heavy pounding and pile driving during construction will cause irreparable damage to the NCTs. The fresco paintings on the camarin’s ceiling, depicting scenes from the lives of Mary and Jesus, have already started to chip off due to the nearby construction work, according to the complainants. However, the developer denies this claim and attributes the issue to aging, claiming it existed as early as October 2021.
The ongoing battle between heritage conservation and modern development unveils the daunting responsibility faced by the government in preserving such historical structures like Sta. Ana Church. Sadly, many of the country’s significant historical buildings have been demolished in the name of progress. Examples include the Avenue Theater, demolished in 2006 to make way for a parking lot, and the Capitol Theater, torn down in 2017 to accommodate a high-rise building. Furthermore, the Benguet Center, inspired by the Banaue rice terraces, was transformed into a parking lot in 2011, with part of The Podium mall now occupying the space. Notably, the recent fire incident that devastated the neglected and decaying Manila Central Post Office also highlights the urgent need for heritage preservation.
One possible approach to safeguarding our heritage buildings is to restore and repurpose them to meet modern requirements while retaining their original facades and foundations. This concept has successfully been executed worldwide, such as Antwerp’s port authority headquarters, this former derelict fire station transformed into a remarkable structure. Additionally, Singapore’s Space Asia and L’École de Musique et de Théâtre in Louviers, France, were built over ruins, showcasing the harmonious blend of history and modernity. Locally, the Luneta Hotel, built in 1919, was revived in 2014, and the Nielson Tower from the 1930s now hosts a fine dining restaurant.
Preserving heritage structures is undoubtedly a costly undertaking. However, the government can demonstrate its commitment by allocating more budget to the NHCP, which plays a vital role in historical asset preservation and management. Regrettably, the commission’s requested P134 million for next year’s program was cut to P127 million. If the government can afford to allocate funds for public officials’ overseas travel to promote the country and attract investors, it should prioritize the protection of our heritage buildings, which define our cities and communities’ unique identity.
If we fail to care for and preserve these important elements of our history, we risk losing our national identity. Let us recognize the value of our heritage and strive to strike a balance between modern development and cultural preservation.
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