An appeal to preserve heritage at Cebu Capitol Complex

ON May 16, 2016 the governor of Cebu, Hilario Davide Jr., convened a stakeholders’ forum to announce his intention to construct

Capitol Complex, at the former Bureau of Agriculture Extension (BAEX) Building, which is located right beside the venerable Capitol building.

The BAEX building is due for demolition to give way for the project.

The Cebu Capitol building, arguably the most beautiful Capitol

by Juan Arellano (who also designed the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the National Museum of the Philippines

The UAP Datu Lapu-lapu letter was taken up during the visit on Aug. 7, 2018 of Rene R. Escalante, chair of the NHCP with Davide. Saying that the proposed building distorts the balance and symmetry of the historical provincial capitol building, Escalante urged the provincial government not to proceed with the construction of a 20-story Cebu Capitol Complex SunStar

It is our collective professional opinion that the proposal is illadvised for the following reasons:

The Capitol site is one of the most well-planned areas in the City owing to the fact that is has been arranged carefully to follow a strong axial layout, it is set in a grid pattern with Osmena Blvd. as the main axis with two terminal points — the Fuente Osmeña Circle on one end and the Capitol building in another. The Capitol building itself has been planned to be strictly symmetrical, setting the tone for a balanced arrangement for the whole Capitol complex. This strict formal arrangement is meant to make the Capitol as the seat of for granted. All these laws have been outlined and explained by Ar. Melva Java in different fora. We support all her views against this proposal.

We are not against the expansion of Capitol facilities but a 20-story structure to house not only the much needed expansion but for rentals and economic gain should be deemed imprudent and improper. The province should not be in the business of leasing but of service to the people. For government to go into real estate leasing will only compete with its constituents — the people who are paying our taxes. Government going into this business will only lead to lower costs and undue advantage to the detriment of those constituents who are into the leasing business in the area.

We are not against the expansion of Capitol facilities, even inside the Capitol compound. There are more appropriate sites around the Capitol compound which you may want to explore for your needed expansion. If we may suggest — the old Justice Building at the back may be an ideal location. In fact, we believe the build-