Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines issued a cease and desist order, on Jul 7 at 9am, against contractors hired by the new owner of El Hogar building in Binondo, NHCP insiders told Coconuts Manila.
On Jul 6, cultural heritage activist Isidra Reyes alerted members of the popular Manila Nostalgia group on Facebook that “architectural details and parts, which could be part of the building’s beautiful staircase, were seen being loaded to trucks for some unknown destination.”
They were going to be brought somewhere in Taguig, Coconuts Manila learned, but were stopped.
“We are fearful that demolition works have begun and the imminent danger of losing this precious heritage building is now a reality,” wrote Reyes.
Coconuts Manila received photos taken by Stephen John Pamorada who visited El Hogar on Jul 6 at 5:30pm. While he was taking photos of the dismantled grill works, the building’s security guard approached him.
“I told him I was just taking photos. I asked him when they started removing those grills which are apparently part of the staircase, where will they bring them, etc., but he refused to give any information due to fear of getting fired,” according to Pamorada.
Photos courtesy of Stephen John Pamorada
Photos courtesy of Stephen John PamoradaPamorada, president of Heritage Conservation Society-Youth: “We are calling on the owner of the building to reveal his identity and stop whatever malicious actions they are doing from the inside… Demolition should never be an option, and by saving El Hogar he can contribute to the advancement of sustainable commercial development with careful consideration to our shared cultural patrimony.”
It is still not known who bought the 1917-built Beaux Arts building, considered a historic building. Property developer Megaworld has repeatedly denied ownership.
There have been a few scares to the building.
In November last year, a perimeter fence was mounted around the building, raising suspicion from cultural activists that there may be imminent plants to demolish the building.
The office of the city engineer told the contractor who set up the fence to take it down because it had no no fencing permit.
READ: The story of El Hogar’s founder Don Antonio Melian
This story has been updated with photos and quotes from Stephen John Pamorada.
Done reading? Sit back, relax and watch Coconuts TV:
