Baguio officials push city hall project despite barbs

By Julie G. Fianza and Jho Arranz

BAGUIO CITY  -  Despite opposition to renovation of city hall grounds by concerned groups and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines who said the area was a historical site, Mayor Mauricio Domogan,  said there is no reason for the city government to delay the project.

“We should take into consideration the escalation of prices of materials once we delay the project,” said Domogan.  

While the city government here has nothing against the declaration of city hall (as a historical site), Domogan said the declaration did not undergo proper process as it was not coordinated with the city government and no public hearing was conducted nor there was no any form of endorsement like a resolution issued.

With a meeting with architect Dado of the NHCP, Domogan said it was the concern of the city to protect city hall and proof was massive renovation of city hall building years back during his term.  Despite the massive renovation, Domogan said, the city was able to maintain and preserve its agricultural design.

Domogan said there was no formal and legal declaration coming from the NHCP formally declaring city hall as national historical site/landmark. 

He said a marker was only installed at the entrance of city hall in 2009 identifying it as historical site.

“The ongoing city hall project will not in any way cause obstruction on the view of the government building, but, instead, we are beautifying, enhancing and improving and at the same time protecting and securing city hall,” said Domogan.

In declaring city hall as historical site, Domogan said there should have been a survey to know exact metes and bounds covered by the declaration. 

“It is important to define what kind development is to be made which do not need approval by the NHCP and what kind development to be made that needs approval from the NHCP. Let us help one another to have city hall be declared as heritage site,” he added.

A fence and some improvements are planned for city hall grounds with additional space and mini-museum as additional features. This has stirred up questions among groups whether it is acceptable to introduce developments.

According to NHCP representative Edison Molanida, who earlier faced the city council, city hall is a marked heritage site, with a testimonial plaque on its frontage.

The plaque reads in part: “This city hall building stood on its hilly crest as the epitome of the aspirations of the people of Baguio and offered refuge against threat or harm and recently renovated under the city hall renovation and extension project which actual renovation started April 1997 with its original aesthetic design kept intact for posterity. This city hall building stands proud and mighty as a fitting tribute to its constituents…”

Thus, Molanida says there should be no alteration introduced, for the building’s integrity, authenticity, value, historical significance and conservation. The cultural importance of the property and cultural history attached to the edifice, and presumption of importance should be considered, it was also known during the session.

The councilors however said nothing of importance including the interiors were or shall be renovated or altered. The original building, except for a massive renovation, and landscape are intact, they said.

They added ongoing project is also beyond the five-meter boundary for developments.  

It was unclear if plans for renovation have already been submitted to the NHCP by city hall.

Molanida said before improvements were made, coordination with the NHC or NCCA be done. Delisting of a heritage area could be done after a public hearing, and other required procedures, it was known.

Domogan said a survey should be done to set boundaries for developments within city hall grounds, approved improvements should be known as with disallowed improvements as per NHCP or NCCA standards.

A local institutionalized committee should also be formed from concerned offices including a city representative, the mayor said.