In Cebu City: Heritage sites set for inventory

CEBU, Philippines - The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) has cautioned owners of houses that are 50 years old above not to make drastic measures on the structures without securing permit from the National Historical Commission.

Architect Melava Java, one of the commissioners of CHAC, said structures above 50 years old are covered and protected by national heritage laws. CHAC is currently conducting an inventory of all historical structures in the city and has asked barangay officials to submit a list of landmarks and markers found in their respective barangays. Of the 80 barangays in Cebu City, only 27 have responded, so far.

“We are trying to make inventories and identify all heritage sites because we want to take care of them,” Java said, adding that a clearance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines must be secured before the houses are destroyed or demolished.

Glenda Gabuya, officer-in-charge of CHAC, said they are also identifying old bridges in Cebu City and plans to come up with a guide book for tour guides so that their discussion about the heritage site of the city will be consistent, uniform and accurate.

Java said the National Cultural Heritage Act provides a comprehensive framework for the preservation of Philippine cultural heritage including cultural sites, old buildings, monuments and landmarks that have cultural significance and historical value.

Under the Heritage Law, structures with cultural significance and historical value get automatic protection and are considered national treasure. Any improvements or sale must pass through the NHCP even if the structure is privately owned.

The law also prescribes “penalties if owners neglect the historical property, or any improvements are not properly coordinated with the NHCP.”

Article XVIII of the law on penal provisions enumerates violations, such as destruction, demolition, mutilation and damage of “any world heritage site, national cultural treasures, important cultural property and archaeological and anthropological sites;” as well as modification, alteration or destruction “of the original features or [construction] or real-estate development in any national shrine, monument, landmark and other historic edifices and structures, declared, classified and marked by the National Historical Institute as such, without the prior written permission from the commission.”

The same law adds that violators, upon conviction, would be fined not less than P200,000 or a prison term of not less than 10 years. — (FREEMAN)