BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The City Council approved the National Museum of the Philippines’ (NMP) plan to restore Fort San Pedro or the Fort Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
The Council approved the recommendation of the rules, ordinance, justice, and legal affairs committee, which authorized the NMP and Mayor Jerry Treñas to enter into a memorandum of agreement relative to the excavation and pre-restoration of the century-old cultural heritage site.
According to historical accounts, fortresses like the Fort San Pedro were constructed by Spain across the country to protect towns from the threats of Moro pirates.
Built in the 17th century, Fort Nuestra Senora del Rosario is located along San Pedro Drive in the domestic port area of Iloilo City.
Typical of a Spanish-built fortress in the country, the structure was quadrilateral in shape and approximately measured 60 meters to 60 meters in building footprint.
The walls were made from cut coral stones quarried from Guimaras and were approximately 12 feet high and 30 feet thick.
“To preserve this historical site, this project will involve excavation works to uncover and explore the remains of its storied past. The restoration initiative aims not only to enhance the site but to understand Fort San Pedro’’s historical significance, ensuring it remains a valuable and accessible destination for future generations,” the City Council’s committee report read.
The committee said the restoration of Fort San Pedro is a significant project aimed at preserving an important historical and cultural landmark. Fort San Pedro, originally built by the Spanish in the early 17th century, has undergone several changes and restorations over the centuries.
“We will expand our heritage zone up to the area of Fort San Pedro. This is long overdue. The heritage site will be turned over to the city government after its restoration,” said Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon.
The committee said the restoration aims to investigate and determine the original foundation of Fort San Pedro through the excavation works.
“This will help identify the original architectural and structural components that will become part of a restoration plan for the project,” the committee said.
Mayor Treñas and NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns earlier met and identified the needed preparations to start the preliminary works that will determine the direction of the P4-million pre-restoration project.
In February, lawyer Ma. Cecilia U. Tirol, NMP Visayas director, together with the architects of the Iloilo City Government, inspected the site.
The NMP Archaeology Division headed by archaeologist Dr. Mary Jane Louise A. Bolunia has started reviewing the 1820 blueprint of the fort, comparing it to photographs taken in the 1930s up to the early 1940s and after World War II.
These photos were overlaid with the recent photos of the fort to aid the technical experts in determining the extent of the site that will be covered by the project.
The preparation works will start with an archaeological excavation of up to 1.50 meters deep to locate the remains of the fort’s foundation.
The NMP plans to start the works from the seaside area away from the foot traffic and expand as necessary. After that, the data will aid in the preparation and production of working plans for reconstruction.
During the 20th century, Fort Nuestra Señora del Rosario started deteriorating and was destroyed during World War II.
At present, the area is being used as a park where miscellaneous structures such as statues and gazebos were constructed.
Remains of the original masonry walls, although visible, are overshadowed by present developments in the area./PN
