Inside capitol: Renovation works get NHCP approval

CEBU, Philippines — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has found acceptable the proposed interior renovation works of the east wing of the Cebu Provincial Capitol, which will serve as the new Office of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro

In a letter dated 23 December 2025 and signed by NHCP Chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., the commission acknowledged receipt of the provincial government’s request and accompanying conceptual plans for the renovation works at the Capitol’s east wing.

The NHCP emphasized that the Cebu Provincial Capitol is a declared National Historical Landmark and is protected under Republic Act 10066 (the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009), as amended by RA 11961.

As such, the commission stressed that any form of modification, intervention, or alteration within the heritage structure is strictly prohibited without prior clearance from the NHCP, and that securing NHCP approval is mandatory before undertaking any development or alteration within the Capitol complex.

Following discussions with the technical team of the NHCP’s Historic Preservation Division, the commission said it conducted a thorough evaluation of the proposal.

Jose also disclosed that he personally visited the Capitol and its immediate premises on December 5 last year, where he met with Architect Melve Rodriguez-Java and other technical representatives of the Cebu Provincial Government to discuss concerns and clarifications regarding the planned renovation.

"Upon review of the submitted proposal, the NHCP finds the proposed interior renovation acceptable as the majority of the works are moderate in scope and limited to refurbishing and interior improvements," reads a portion in the document.

However, the commission clarified that its approval applies only to the conceptual proposal submitted, as the detailed plans have yet to be duly approved and signed by the Provincial Engineering Office and the Office of the Governor.

The NHCP has requested the provincial government to submit photo documentation of the existing conditions in the project area, along with copies of the finalized and approved development plans, for further review and formal clearance before implementation.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the initiative to renovate parts of the Capitol stemmed from Baricuatro’s long-standing goal of enhancing and preserving the entire Capitol compound.

Empaces said the governor ordered a comprehensive inspection of the 88-year-old Capitol shortly after assuming office.

The inspection, conducted in July 2025, revealed that the Executive, Legislative, and several other buildings within the compound failed to meet key fire safety standards.

Baricuatro earlier said the planned improvements are necessary to balance heritage preservation with public safety, stressing the need to protect both Capitol employees and ordinary citizens who transact business at the historic building.

To ensure compliance with heritage laws, the provincial government hired heritage consultant Jose Eleazar “Jobers” Bersales and architect Robert Malayao to guide the process.

Empaces said a program of works was prepared and submitted to the consultants, who then forwarded the documents to the NHCP, even as the renovation project underwent bidding.

By November, the required papers had already been submitted, coinciding with the NHCP’s on-site inspection of the Capitol.

On December 26, the provincial government received the NHCP’s letter indicating its acceptance of the proposed interior renovation.

Empaces also revealed that a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Capitol has already been prepared and was presented last year to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee on Culture and Arts, chaired by Board Member Paz Rozgoni, with Board Member Lakambini Reluya as vice chair.

He said the provincial government is hopeful that the committee will soon convene, as the renovation plans are already in place and funds have been allocated for this year.

“There was a proposal nga on our end sa Executive kay daghan man og need in terms of really preserving the actual heritage valuation based on the conservation management plan … there will be one percent allotment for renovation,” said Empaces.

He explained that the allocation comes from the annual one percent of the provincial government’s development fund.

Asked about the complaint filed against the governor, Empaces declined to comment on its legal merits but stressed that the administration had been proactive in ensuring that all procedures were followed.

“Whatever the basis of the complaint, on the part of the administration, we were proactive in terms of ensuring that the processes are orderly,” he said.

He added that the actions taken by the provincial government were done regardless of whether a case was filed or not. The renovation currently being undertaken, he said, specifically involves the Governor’s Wing.

Earlier, Byron Garcia, the brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, filed a criminal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas, accusing Baricuatro of authorizing a P2.6-million renovation project inside the Capitol without allegedly securing prior clearance from the NHCP.

Byron alleged that violations of the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act had been committed.

In his complaint, Byron claimed that as a Status I National Historical Landmark, any alteration to the Capitol requires prior written approval from the NHCP, which he alleged was not obtained before renovation works began.

He further alleged that the project involved the removal of ceilings, roofs, and walls, and raised possible graft charges in connection with the P2.6-million contract awarded to a private contractor.  — (FREEMAN)