MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National School for the Deaf and Blind building in Pasay City was recognized by the government as an important cultural property.
The National Museum of the Philippines made the announcement during an unveiling ceremony on Friday, which was attended by city government officials led by Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.
Present during the unveiling were officials from the National Museum and Nishimura Tokiko, second secretary of the economic section of the Japan embassy.
Established in 1907, it is the pioneer school for the handicapped in the country and in Asia, according to the school’s website.
“It has definitely stood the test of time, and as a family here in Pasay, we vow to take care of such a precious gem,” Calixto-Rubiano said in a statement.
She said the architecture and overall structure of the building have amazed even the most meticulous artists.
“We will do everything that we can to keep it that way,” she said.