MANILA 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua expressed optimism that the Quiapo heritage zone bill will receive support from the Senate, citing the upcoming festive occasions in the coming year. Chua highlighted the significance of sports and culture in 2024, as the country prepares for the Paris Olympics and the resumption of the many festivals that were put on hold due to the pandemic.
The festivities will kick off with the Traslacion of the Hesus Nazareno in Quiapo, followed by the declaration of Quiapo Church as a National Shrine on January 29. Chua remains hopeful that the Quiapo Heritage Zone bill will gain traction in the Senate, given the importance of these upcoming events.
On August 16, 2023, the House of Representatives approved House Bill (HB) 8664, also known as the proposed “Quiapo Heritage Zone Act,” on its third and final reading. The aim of this measure is to establish a heritage zone in the immediate environs of Quiapo Church, Plaza Miranda, San Sebastian Church, Plaza Del Carmen, Quezon Bridge, The Life Theatre or Old Villongco Building, and other built heritage sites with notable historical and cultural significance.
According to HB 8664, the City Government of Manila, in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and other concerned stakeholders, will conduct a public hearing. This hearing will involve the owners of affected sites and structures, designated representatives of the community, cultural heritage organizations, religious organizations, and heritage preservation professionals such as architects, historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, and sociologists. The purpose of this consultation is to determine and identify the specific sites and structures that will be declared as part of the Quiapo Heritage Zone.
The Quiapo Heritage Zone will receive priority development from the Department of Tourism (DoT) and other relevant national government agencies and local government units (LGUs). It will also be subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations governing the development of national heritage zones.
Chua emphasized that HB 8664 shares similarities with Senate Bill 1471, proposed by Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, and Senate Bill 2324, proposed by Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda. This alignment among different branches of government demonstrates the collective effort to preserve and promote the historical and cultural significance of Quiapo.
The establishment of the Quiapo Heritage Zone is an essential step towards safeguarding the rich heritage of the area. By designating specific sites and structures as part of the heritage zone, it ensures that these historical and cultural treasures will be protected and preserved for future generations. Moreover, the prioritized development of the Quiapo Heritage Zone by the Department of Tourism and other relevant government agencies will contribute to the revitalization and promotion of tourism in the area.
As the Quiapo Heritage Zone bill progresses through the Senate, it is crucial to recognize the local laws, customs, and cultural context that shape its significance. By understanding the importance of Quiapo’s heritage to the Filipino people, both locally and internationally, we can appreciate the efforts made to conserve and celebrate this unique cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Quiapo Heritage Zone bill holds promise for the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural significance of Quiapo. With the support of various stakeholders and the alignment of different branches of government, there is a growing momentum to ensure the protection and development of this important heritage site. As we look forward to the festive occasions in the coming year, the establishment of the Quiapo Heritage Zone will undoubtedly contribute to the celebration of Quiapo’s rich history and culture.
Source: The Manila Times
