NHCP Halts Town Plaza Rehab Again

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has issued a cease-and-desist order against the redevelopment of the public plaza drainage in Dingle, Iloilo, citing concerns over its potential impact on the St. John the Baptist Church, a presumed Important Cultural Property (ICP).

In a March 3 letter to Dingle Mayor Rufino Palabrica III, NHCP Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. stated that the redevelopment of the Dingle Public Plaza would ultimately lead to the demolition of the church’s entrance staircase.

The church, one of the oldest in Iloilo, is considered a presumed ICP under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, as amended.

Under this section, structures older than 50 years are presumed to be ICPs unless declared otherwise by the NHCP.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has also directed local building and engineering officials to consult cultural agencies before implementing development or demolition projects to ensure that no historical or cultural sites are jeopardized.

“Please be informed that as a presumed ICP, the 19th-century staircase is protected from any modification or demolition. Any proposed interventions affecting its integrity shall be consulted with the NHCP prior to its implementation,” Jose said in his letter.

Section 25 of Republic Act No. 10066 empowers the NHCP to issue a cease-and-desist order when the physical integrity of national cultural treasures or ICPs is at risk of destruction or significant alteration.

The NHCP also requested the project owner to submit a signed development plan that complies with relevant laws and guidelines and reminded the local government of the importance of proper consultations.

“Non-compliance would constrain us to seek appropriate legal action. Also, please be reminded that consultations relative to all cultural heritage concerns should be conducted between the local government offices and stakeholders, including various organizations, to prevent a similar situation in the future,” the letter read.

This is not the first time NHCP has halted construction at the Dingle Public Plaza and the church’s vicinity.

In October 2021, it also issued a cease-and-desist order, stating it was not amenable to the initial development plans for the plaza.

That order was lifted in August 2022.

Daily Guardian is still trying to get the comments of the Dingle municipal government.