Capitol building to become income-generating asset

CEBU, Philippines — The old Capitol building will be reconfigured through a conservation strategy of adaptive reuse once the 20-storey modern provincial government building will be finished according to the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO).

“Conserving a building does not need to be done purely on the grounds of mere heritage preservation. Conservation is also a means of safeguarding a cultural heritage with the view to suitably adapt to the society’s needs,” said PTO Head Joselito Costas.

The 80-year-old Capitol building was declared a national historical landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in July 2008.

The provincial government defined adaptive reuse as the process of reusing an old building or site for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for. It is closely related to historical preservation and conservation in places with rich history.

“The entire efforts can be self-sustaining if the buildings are restored and put into productive use,” Costas continued.

He further pointed out that turning the old structure into an income-generating asset is also a way to ensure that the old edifice will have the budget for preservation and maintenance. 

Costas also discussed the environmental, social and economic benefits of adaptive reuse.

“Adaptive reuse significantly reduces the use of energy that usually comes with demolishing the structure and building a new one to replace it,” he said.

The old Bureau of Agriculture - Extension (BAEX) building is set to be demolished to pave way for the construction of the Cebu Resource Center.

Its proposed design features a 20-storey modern building which will house the Cebu Provincial Government’s frontline offices.

BAEX was declared unsafe for occupancy after it was damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the Visayas in 2013.

In the Provincial Board (PB), the governor has already been given an authority through a resolution to enter into a loan negotiation with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

In earlier talks, DBP reportedly plans to negotiate with a 2.9 percent interest.  After the negotiation, a contract will be drafted and will have to be approved by the PB.

The PB will then ratify an ordinance if the provincial government receives a green light from the National Historical Commission (NHC) in terms of the Capitol's plan to put a "modern" styled building within the compound.

The governor hopes to break ground for the project before this year ends.

If everything else goes as planned, the construction is expected to be finished within 28 months. — MBG (FREEMAN)