PASAY CITY – Senator Sonny Angara called for the inspection and recovery of heritage sites damaged by the magnitude 7. 3 earthquake to ensure their preservation.
At least five other people have died and more than a hundred have been injured as a result of the earthquake that originated in Abra last Wednesday.
In addition to the loss of life, the earthquake also destroyed infrastructure, residential buildings and historical/heritage sites, adding to those in the Ilocos region.
The Ministry of Tourism has known the following heritage sites that were left by the earthquake: Sta. The Catherine church of Alexandria, the Sanctuary of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the Cathedral of Vigan, the Bell Tower of Bantay, the Church of San Juan Bautista and heritage houses such as the Casa Syquia in the city of Vigan.
“It is heartbreaking to see the destruction caused by the earthquake. There is no rest in efforts to provide assistance to families affected by the calamity, adding the reconstruction of their homes so that they can resume their general lives as soon as possible,” Angara said.
While the relief paintings and reconstruction are being carried out, Angara said a parallel effort will be carried out to protect the historic structures so as not to cause further destruction.
“These historic sites are more than just monuments and tourist attractions, but they are part of our country’s culture and heritage,” Angara said.
As the leader of Republic Law 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Law, Angara said there is an endowment fund that can be leveraged for the recovery effort.
The status quo of the National Foundation for Culture and the Arts is provided for in Article XIV(50) of RA 10066.
Angara said the fund that is administered through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts is kept in a special account at the Treasury Office and can be used for the implementation of cultural and artistic systems and projects.
RA 10066 states that “all cultural property declared cultural property may also obtain state investment for its protection, conservation and restoration. “
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is committed to the rehabilitation of destroyed historic structures and sites with the help of government ensembles and relevant cultural property owners.
Angara also suggested that the personal sector be involved in relief and reconstruction efforts, adding the repair of damaged historical sites.
“These structures offer us a look at the beyond the country and will have to be preserved for generations in the long term. The rehabilitation procedure also deserves to introduce innovations so that they comply with the code, if possible,” Angara said. The senator’s father, the afterlife due former president of the Senate Edgardo Angara Sen. and the promotion of culture and the arts, adding RA 7536 or the NCCA Act and the National Museums Act (OSSA)
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