An advocacy group expressed concern over the reported imminent "demolition" of a 104-year-old fire station in Sta. Mesa, Manila, to make way for a government road project.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Jan. 11, Renacimiento Manila sought the help of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to assist them in their appeal.
Renacimiento Manila is a cultural organization that promotes heritage conservation of structures in Manila.
"The building is planned to be demolished due to road widening and is another heritage victim of unimaginative and outdated car-centric planning. A new station is planned to be built but is devoid of character considering the historic significance of the old fire station," it said.
Santa Mesa Fire Station or Fire Station 8 located on Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard was built during the American period in 1919, according to Renacimiento.
Aside from responding to fire situations in Metro Manila, the station showcases historical artifacts of the firefighting history in Manila such as vintage fire alarms and telegraph machines.
In the initial plan of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), over 180 square meters of the 335-square-meter fire station will be used for the road widening.
Lito Maranga, councilor of Barangay 629, said it is not yet certain when the scheduled demolition will occur.
Meanwhile, the Manila local government said it is currently coordinating with the concerned agencies to check if necessary permits are already in place, including certifications of no objection from the NHCP for the planned demolition.