The San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. has launched an online petition to oppose the construction of a 31-storey condominium right behind the country’s iconic and only all-steel church in Manila.
"Our goal for this petition is to raise 400,000 signatures by this August 2021,” the petitioner said in a CBCP News post.
The number of target signatures also aims to symbolize the 400th year anniversary of the very first San Sebastian Church.
“The signatures from this general petition will be recorded to show the public there is a community of people who care about the basilica and the neighborhood,” it said.
The high-rise building has been opposed since the plans were first announced but it was given the green light by the authorities last year.
Those who oppose the residential project have been continuing in their efforts to “Save San Sebastian,” a national historical landmark.
The present structure, which dates back to 1981, is the only all-steel church in Asia and the only prefabricated steel church in the world.
The petitioner asked the public to help in raising awareness about San Sebastian and why it must be protected.
“We strongly believe in the power of a united community, and so beyond this petition, we invite everyone to connect with us and collaborate,” it said.
As of January 12 or five days since the campaign was launched, the petition has generated around 5,800 signatures.