Heritage issues

Consider it a breath of fresh air in a landscape of heritage structures laid to waste for another commercial enterprise.

That the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has been declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines comes as a timely and welcome intervention to plans by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to convert the historic area into a mall in a joint project with a private group.

Built in 1934 in the art deco style by architect Juan Arellano, the Rizal Memorial Stadium hosted various international events in its prime, including the Beatles concert and the Far Eastern Championship Games. It was also used as a garrison by the Japanese during World War II. In 1989, tennis rivals Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe matched skills in its courts. And for the longest time, it also served as training ground for some of the country’s finest athletes.

The twin declarations by the NHCP and the NMP would now ensure the sports complex’s preservation and protection against modifications that might violate Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. By declaring the structure’s heritage value, the government is also obligated to provide funds to maintain and preserve it.

Some quarters may argue that the stadium, which has barely undergone structural improvements and upgrading since the 1950s, is now unsuitable and unsafe for training athletes, and as a venue for local and international games. Others may say that Manila has become too congested and polluted—and, therefore, unhealthy—for athletes, thus the proposal to move the training site to Clark in Pampanga. But surely, building more high-rise buildings and commercial centers isn’t the ideal solution?

Elsewhere in the country, the ruins of San Joaquin convent in Iloilo have become an unsightly warren of makeshift stalls and kiosks notwithstanding its heritage status as a National Cultural Treasure. It would seem like the call of commerce is irresistible, and that of survival even more so. Again, some may argue: Why begrudge ordinary folk a living while the ruins lie idle and off-limits?

It’s a sad state of affairs when people are forced to choose between food for their bodies or nourishment for their minds. In such a choice, culture—heritage included—becomes an unreachable luxury, a lost cause. Why pine for the graceful art deco lines or the bevel-head nails of a heritage building when developing the area into a mall can mean construction jobs for laborers and more vacancies ahead for sales staff and fast-food crews?

But the value of old churches, heritage structures and cultural treasures lies in what they represent—a link to our past, a reflection of our identity. And identity becomes a source of pride, a means to national unity. Knowing our heritage gives us a glimpse of what we were, where we came from, how we used to do things, how we survived as a people, and what we may become. Such connections can inspire us to aspire for greater heights, while learning lessons from the mistakes of the past. They either validate the path we’re taking now, or point us to different but firmer ground.

For pragmatic purposes, heritage structures can be profitable when repurposed for more contemporary use. Consider how the historic town of Vigan—cited in the 1999 World Heritage List—has become a tourist hotspot for its adaptive reuse of old houses that have been converted into boutique hotels and shops. Such a vibrant community also means a boost in property values as historical buildings add charm and character to a place, and, yes, generates more jobs, as heritage preservation and tourism mean labor-intensive work.

Aside from boosting the economy, preservation is also environmentally friendly. Preservation coupled with restoration is the ultimate form of recycling, as it helps trim construction waste and save the energy that is usually spent on manufacturing and transporting building materials and tools.

The old structures may be eyesores right now. But then it only means that the government has its work cut out for it.