BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is looking into the propriety of the demolition of an 80-year-old art deco façade of the old lloilo Central Market.
NCCA’s move came after the city government demolished the façade of the building, which is part of the historic central market that is undergoing redevelopment and modernization.
However, several heritage advocates have raised concerns, considering Iloilo City’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The structure, notable for its unique design, is part of Iloilo City’s historical and cultural identity, they argued.
Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, secretary general of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, said in a forum on Saturday that the NCCA is looking into the legality of the demolition of the façade of the Central Market.
“We will find out if there is (a violation on the part of the city government). We are at the stage where we are trying to study what happened when there was a go-signal from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to demolish the structure,” said Henares.
The NCCA will also verify the validity of the demolition permit issued by the Office of the Building Officials (OBO).
“If it was a unilateral decision to demolish the market structure without clearing it with the appropriate cultural agency, then there would be an appropriate liability and we are trying to look into that,” said Henares.
Likewise, Henares clarified that NCCA, and not the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is investigating the issue.
“UNESCO is not probing the demolition. I never mentioned UNESCO or UNACOM. UNESCO does not investigate heritage issues. UNESCO is not a government cultural agency. UNESCO is not a government cultural agency,” said Henares in a statement.
Mayor Jerry Treñas defended the demolition, maintaining the decision to tear down the building’s art deco façade was a joint decision by both the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
“If indeed there is an investigation, then they should let me know right away. Kakapoy nga tago-tago-on pa nila,” Treñas said.
UNESCO, the United Nations (UN) specialized agency, is tasked to foster peace and development through education, science, culture, and communication among 193 member states and 11 associate members.
The NHCP designated Central Market as a Cultural Tourism Heritage Zone in 2013 and a Historic Center through NHCP Resolution No. 3 series of 2014.
Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, aims to “protect, preserve, conserve and promote the nation’s cultural heritage, its property and histories, and the ethnicity of local communities, and establish and strengthen cultural institutions.”
A letter from then NHCP Chair Rene Escalante dated Feb. 20, 2023, showed that the commission was amenable to the development plans for the Central Market. However, there was no categorical approval to demolish the façade.
“Upon review of the documents and proposed development plans of the old lloilo Central Market, the [NHCP] is amenable to the project since it will restore the original architectural character of the old Iloilo Central Market,” Escalante said in the letter.
In a statement issued yesterday, Treñas said the city government is ready to present all information regarding the demolition of the building’s façade.
He stressed the Office of the Building Officials (OBO) issued the demolition permit before the construction because the structure was no longer structurally safe. The copies of the demolition permit can easily and readily be secured from the OBO, he said.
“The structure burned twice already causing the steel bars to be affected. Several times, portions of the second-floor slabs fell off,” said Treñas, adding the incident prompted the NHCP to approve the design of the new Central Market.
“Furthermore, the structure will be restored in the new building. Just the same, we are ready with all the documents,” the mayor added.
Will the issue affect the city’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
“No, since we have no choice. Furthermore, I will not compromise the safety of Ilonggos with our city’s standing with UNESCO. The life of one Ilonggo is not worth our UNESCO creative committee commitments. If I have to choose, I choose our ilonggos,” said Treñas.
Iloilo City has been chosen as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The city’s historic street, Calle Real, was also included in the tentative list of nominees for the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
Calle Real, the momentous street located in the downtown area, is known for its well-preserved colonial-era buildings, which date back to the Spanish and American colonial periods.
It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.
The street is also lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a vibrant hub of activity in Iloilo City./PN