Manila City Hall declared an important cultural property

The National Museum of the Philippines declared the Manila City Hall an important cultural property on Monday, Sept. 18.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan unveiled the marker with Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto, National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy Barns, Deputy Director General for Administration Atty. Ma. Rosenne Flores-Avila, Deputy Director General for Museums Jorell Legaspi, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, and Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila Director Charlie Duñgo.
"This will further strengthen the efforts of our local government to strive for progress and development, yet we have that capability to preserve and protect our character as a city rich in heritage and teeming with historical and cultural value," the mayor said.
The Manila City Hall was built in 1904 during the administration of former Mayor Arsenio Cruz Herrera. It was later destroyed during the Battle for Manila in 1945 and was rehabilitated in 1946 through the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946.
The mayor said the iconic building is a symbol of Manilans' strength and resilience and a witness to the city's rich history.
"Magpahanggang ngayon, itong Manila City Hall ay nagsisilbing mahalagang imahe ng kapitolyo ng ating bansa (Until now, this Manila City Hall serves as an important image of our nation's capitol)," she said
Lacuna said her administration will continue to partner with the National Museum, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), NHCP, and DOT to preserve and protect the heritage of Manila.
"Naniniwala tayo na sa pagsisikap nating gawing isang Maringal na Lungsod ang Maynila, isang bahagi nito ang paglingon sa mahahalagang bahagi ng ating nakaraan. Kailangang magsilbing inspirasyon natin ang mga aral ng kasaysayan at sama-sama tayo kumilos at isulong ang pagpapataas ng antas ng ating pagiging lungsod (We believe that in our efforts to make Manila a Magnificent City, a part of it is looking back at the important parts of our past. The lessons of history must serve as our inspiration and together, we act and promote the raising of the level of our urbanity)," she added.