No need to say a sentimental goodbye to the 82-year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) declared the 11-hectare sports mecca a historical landmark, and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) declared it an Important Cultural Property (ICP).
The declarations came after heritage advocates called on Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to stop the demolition of the sports complex to give way to a commercial center. It was earlier reported that construction was supposed to start this year, with approval from the local government of Manila.
Read: Manila to develop Rizal Stadium into a commercial center
“Both declarations would now ensure the complex’s preservation and protection from any untoward modifications that might violate the penal provisions of Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009,” the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.
The legendary Art Deco sports complex built in 1934 houses national athletes from different teams. It was the venue of choice for sporting events like the South East Asian Games in 1981, 1991 and 2005. It was designed by the Filipino architect Juan Arellano.
The Rizal Stadium is owned by the government of Manila, and is managed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
PHOTO: Creative Commons via Patrick Roque
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