Sunday, November 25, 2007
THE MANILA HISTORICAL & HERITAGE COMMISSION
The way Mayor Lim has envisioned it, the Manila Historical & Heritage Commission "shall document the built heritage resources of Manila and heritage districts; undertake efforts to increase and inculcate historical and cultural awareness, as well as pride of place in all sectors of the city, especially in barangays and in all levels of public and private school and universities."
The mayor also noted that "Manila is the only city that shows all the periods of our history -- the native, the Spanish and then the American." Hence the mayor believes that our legacies from the past have to be conserved. The MHHC is now spearheading the following projects: the refurbishing of the Army & Navy Club; the reopening of the Museo ng Maynila to the public; and the restoration of the Metropolitan Theater.
"Traditional values," the mayor also said, "have to be restored for the sake of our youth. They are in search for role models, for people to emulate so they have to learn about our heroes, those Filipinos who placed the interest of the country above their own."
The Chairperson of the Manila Historical & Heritage Commission is Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil, while her daughter Gemma Cruz-Araneta is a member of its Secretariat.
posted by Señor Enrique at 7:51 AM
10 Comments:
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ScroochChronicles said... This is a great move from the mayor. It's sad that Manila, with it's very colorful and rich history, does not have a proper avenue to showcase it's historical background. How about the National Museum? City Hall? The old school buildings and the old houses in Quiapo, Sta. Ana, Malate, and Arlegui? Dapat sana parang sa Europe where they really make an effort to preserve old structures :)
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joe said...
Eric,
Thanks for the link to Ms.Araneta's blog. A short one but had a long history about our people in 1904. Old photos? you bet!-
said... That's great news that they are preserving significant landmarks that define Manila's history.
I hope the commission can also do something about the systematic destruction of other lesser know landmarks like old movie theatres and buildings in favor of new high rise development. These landmarks are also part and parcel of Manila's history.-
Sidney said...
There is a lot of work but Manila has potential. Lets hope Mayor Lim means business!
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Señor Enrique said...
I've a feeling he does, Sidney, for why involve the notable Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil as the chairperson MHHC if his heart is not really into it. By the way, currently reading one of her books, "Myself, Elsewhere." Interesting!
This is exciting, indeed!-
Señor Enrique said...
I think that is a significant aspect of this commission's agenda, BW. Let's keep our fingers crossed -- we may, after all, preserve whatever's left of Manila's vintage grandeur.
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Señor Enrique said...
those entries also appeared on her Manila Bulletin column, Joe. Gemma is very much into keeping our history alive, which like you, I appreciate tremendously :)
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Señor Enrique said...
This appears to be an earnest initiative, Scrooch, and I'm optimistic that Mayor Lim will do a great job in spearheading such historical and heritage preservation endeavors.
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reyd said...
Thanks for this article, I'm glad that something is being done to preserve our heritage.
Although, I sometimes don't agree on Gemma Cruz Araneta's opinions and beliefs on certain issues, I'm just glad that she is really all out to help and to preserve the Filipino tradition.-
Señor Enrique said...
Gemma seems intent in pursuing her preservation efforts, Reyd. She's currently the president of the Heritage Conservation Society as well. And as a member of Mayor Lim's commission, I'm sure she can give the administration valuable advice on such matters.
