The district of Quiapo, Manila is one of the city's most colorful districts. Quiapo has a rich history, a vibrant multicultural area, and is famous for its religious traditions. Among the treasures of the district is its collection of heritage structures that date from the Spanish colonial period up to the postwar period. These structures are witness to historic events and historically significant personalities, are symbols of the development of the district, and are monuments and testaments to the creativity and craftsmanship of the Filipino people. 

However, decades of neglect and lack of support to property owners have led to the decay of Quiapo's built heritage, and the areas around them. Many buildings that survived the cataclysmic destruction of Manila in World War II, have either been left to rot or have been demolished. Unplanned developments threaten to destroy the character of the Quiapo's historic area, which is centered around Calle Hidalgo and Calle Bilibid Viejo, as well as around the two major landmarks: Quiapo Church and San Sebastian Basilica. Buildings of various heights and sizes are being put up across the historic area of the district, with no regard for the significance of the area and its character, as well as putting more than a century old buildings in jeopardy.

If nothing is done, and the destruction of Quiapo's heritage buildings and historic area continues, then the Filipino people and Manila will lose yet another collection of heritage structures. Such structures not only provide pride of place, but when protected and developed could create economic opportunities to the people via heritage-based and cultural tourism.

 

 

Fortunately, a bill is being created in the Philippine Congress for the purpose of protecting Quiapo's heritage treasures. The intiative is led by Representative Joel Chua of Manila's 3rd District who is also in contact and consultation with local heritage groups and stakeholders.

Titled "The Quiapo Heritage Zone Act", the bill seeks to "established a heritage zone in the immediate environs of Quiapo Church, Plaza Miranda, San Sebastian Church, and Plaza Del Carmen to be known as the Quiapo Heritage Zone."(excerpt from draft bill)

"The Quiapo Heritage Zone shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) and shall be subject to existing laws and rules and regulations governing the developmentof national heritage zones." (excerpt from draft bill)

This petition seeks to gather and show support for the bill, as well as a call to action to local leaders and the public to protect Quiapo's heritage structures. 

Although already in Congress, we can never be to sure until the bill itself is turned into law. It is hoped that his bell will be the first of many efforts to protect Manila's endangered heritage structures and zones in particular, and the Philippines in general.

Protect Quiapo's Heritage! Support the Quiapo Heritage Zone Act! Save Manila's Heritage!

 

 

(photos from Yasuda Rain of Renacimiento Manila)