DAMAGED. The Vigan Cathedral, declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, was damaged by the strong earthquake that jolted Northern Luzon on Wednesday morning (July 27, 2022). The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has committed to rehabilitating and restoring historical sites affected by the earthquake. (Photo grabbed from Vigan LGU Facebook page)
MANILA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is committed to rehabilitating and restoring historical sites and structures damaged by the strong earthquake that hit Northern Luzon and Metro Manila on Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NHCP chairman Rene Escalante said that for now, they will give way to the national government and concerned agencies in prioritizing saving human lives and extending assistance to families and communities affected by the earthquake.
“The NHCP, in collaboration with the local government units (LGUs) and cultural property owners, expresses its commitment to help rehabilitate the damaged historic sites and structures, many of them have been part of the life of the people for centuries,” Escalante said.
He added most of these structures damaged by the earthquake have been declared National Historical Landmarks and Important Cultural Properties that are protected by the Heritage Law.
Among the structures in Northern Luzon reportedly damaged by the strong earthquake include the Vigan Cathedral, Calle Crisologo, and Bantay Bell Tower, among others.
An intensity VI earthquake was recorded in Vigan City and some parts of Ilocos Sur.
Several old houses in Vigan were also badly damaged by the earthquake.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared Vigan as a World Heritage site with its best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.
Meanwhile, the NHCP encouraged affected LGUs to safely keep retrieved structures.
“We enjoin our local partners to safeguard the artifacts, retrieve important parts of the structure necessary for the restoration, and provide NHCP with necessary documentation of the destroyed structures and the retrieved parts,” the statement reads.
The NHCP will have a meeting with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on Thursday to discuss the action plan of the cultural agencies and its affiliates in the restoration and rebuilding plans of damaged heritage properties. (PNA)
