Manila Central Post Office Set for Historic Restoration

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has officially initiated the restoration of the Manila Central Post Office, two years after a devastating fire gutted the iconic structure on May 21, 2023.

PHLPost is set to release the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED) this month, paving the way for public bidding and the formal launch of the rehabilitation phase.

The DAED will serve as the project blueprint, ensuring the neoclassical landmark is rebuilt to meet modern standards of safety, accessibility, and sustainability, while honoring its historic and cultural significance.

“This project is about honoring our past, preserving our identity, and showing the strength and unity of our people through heritage conservation and nation-building,” said Postmaster General and CEO Luis D. Carlos.

A private structural study, commissioned by the Department of Tourism through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), confirmed the building remains sound for retrofitting despite the fire.

The Bureau of Fire Protection had previously concluded the blaze was accidental in nature.

In preparation for the rebuild, PHLPost has conducted market sounding with prominent architectural and engineering firms to shape the restoration strategy.

The agency also partnered with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to repaint the building’s facade, symbolizing hope and continuity ahead of full-scale rehabilitation.

Restoration efforts are being coordinated through a whole-of-government approach, led by the Office of the First Lady and the Office of the Executive Secretary.

The initiative involves key national and local agencies including the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Tourism, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, TIEZA, the City Government of Manila, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Built in 1926 and designed by renowned Filipino architect Juan Arellano, the Manila Central Post Office is a national cultural treasure and a symbol of neoclassical architecture along the banks of the Pasig River.

Prior to the fire, the building housed the central operations of PHLPost and stood as a testament to the Philippines’ architectural heritage and communication legacy.

PHLPost aims to complete the restoration by 2026, coinciding with the structure’s 100th anniversary.

The reconstructed post office is envisioned not only as a revitalized postal hub but also as a landmark destination celebrating Filipino history, design, and resilience.

Additional updates on the public bidding, project timeline, and design features are expected in the coming weeks.