MANILA, Philippines - The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) called the attention of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and Local Government Units (LGU) to prevent construction of commercial establishment in parks and public spaces.
As an example, NCCA Chair Felipe De Leon Jr. mentioned the Quezon City Memorial Circle where the remains of former President Manuel L. Quezon is buried.
"Most of these spaces are heritage sites whose designs are also lessons in period architecture and are created to remind us of notable persons or events. Interventions on the original designs confuse the public on the purpose of the site and subvert historical intent," De Leon said in a statement.
Building concrete structures in public spaces defeats its purpose of its open nature, given that these spaces are communally owned and shared.
The original design and function of public spaces should be maintained to allow the public to appreciate their heritage.
The NCCA will continue to "exercise its obligations under its mandate and fully enforce the constitutional and imperative to protect these spaces and heritage, even against other government agencies."