(Juan Carlo de Vela/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The sheer history and heritage carried by the Manila Central Post Office of reason enough to rebuild it following the disastrous fire that struck it over the weekend.

Thus, said Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Tuesday, May 23, adding that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should take the lead role in the reconstruction.

“The structure was declared as an Important Cultural Property in 2018 by the National Museum, for its exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance. We should restore it as a symbol of our national pride,” Barbers said.

“The fact that the structure was built by great Filipino architects Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua is reason enough for its rebuilding and restoration. It is proudly Filipino made,” the veteran solon pointed out.

He says there are numerous possibilities when it comes to the future usage of the building.

“If and when restored, it can house many government agencies. With modern technology, not only postal services may use it. In this digital and virtual reality age, even offices dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) may be housed in the building, situated right in the heart of the nation. It can be a one-stop shop that can greatly benefit our people,” he said.

“In its rebuilding and restoration, meticulous planning and resources should be alloted to fire control. In this day and age, buildings should be equipped with state of the art fire control system to save lives and property," said the Mindanaoan.

At any rate, Barbers said it was "appalling to see a historical landmark situated right beside the big Pasig river, destroyed by fire of this magnitude".