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Manila Bulletin devider devider Ilocos Norte seeks aid to save 200-year-old bridge from demolition

Ilocos Norte seeks aid to save 200-year-old bridge from demolition

Published Aug 21, 2018 05:37 pm
By Freddie Lazaro LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is seeking the aid of concerned government agencies for the preservation and conservation of a centuries-old bridge in Barangay Barit, Laoag City. Punte de Barit (photo courtesy of Ilocos Norte government webpage) Punte de Barit (photo courtesy of Ilocos Norte government webpage) The antique bridge, named “Puente de Barit,” is 200 years old. Built during the Spanish era, it is an infrastructure that will reportedly be affected by the on-going road- and bridge-widening projects of the national government. Aianree Raquel, the provincial tourism officer of Ilocos Norte, said the provincial government has coordinated with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Museum, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to stop the demolition of Puente de Barit. Social media had drawn attention to road development projects of the DPWH Ilocos Norte 1st Engineering District, which include the demolition and replacement of the centuries-old bridge. However, Republic Act (RA) 10066, “An Act Providing for the Protection and Conservation of the National Cultural Heritage, Strengthening the NCCA and its Affiliated Cultural Agencies,” mandates the protection of heritage structures. “It’s very unfortunate that incidents like this happen, especially in our province where culture and heritage are sources of livelihood for a lot of people. The bridge in Barit is an important heritage structure for the province,” said Raquel. The partial demolition of Puente de Barit gathered different reactions from Ilocano netizens, with many calling for its preservation. “It is very important for people to be aware; we should make the business of heritage conservation more approachable and relatable to the general population. “The provincial government of Ilocos Norte should work with national cultural agencies and the DPWH so that we can really finally resolve and determine what to do with the heritage bridges that are along our highways,” he added. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar has already ordered DPWH Ilocos Norte 1st Engineering District to stop the demolition, while the NCCA, NHCP, and National Museum will send experts to assess the damage and take proper action.
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