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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH upholds integrity, heritage preservation in restoration of fire-hit Manila Post Office

DPWH upholds integrity, heritage preservation in restoration of fire-hit Manila Post Office

Published Oct 16, 2025 01:54 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH leads the phased restoration of the fire-damaged Manila Central Post Office.
  • Phase 1 focuses on the façade and main lobby, targeted for completion by mid-2026.
  • ₱300 million initial funding will be sourced partly from PHLPost's insurance proceeds.
The Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, will undergo phased restoration under DPWH supervision to uphold integrity and heritage preservation after the May 2023 fire. (DPWH Photo)
The Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, will undergo phased restoration under DPWH supervision to uphold integrity and heritage preservation after the May 2023 fire. (DPWH Photo)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will undertake the restoration of the fire-damaged Manila Central Post Office with firm emphasis on integrity and heritage preservation to ensure transparency and protect the cultural significance of the historic landmark.
The project was formalized through an agreement between DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Acting Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria III.
Dizon said the restoration will be implemented in phases.
The first phase will focus on the repair of the building’s façade and main lobby, which is targeted for completion by mid-2026.
“Kailangan talaga ma-restore natin nang tama at mabilis itong napakaimportante at iconic na landmark natin dito sa Metro Manila… Uunahin po natin ‘yung Phase 1, which will mostly likely be the façade, ‘yung harap, at ‘yung lobby (We really need to restore this important and iconic landmark properly and quickly. We will prioritize Phase 1, which will most likely be the façade, the front, and the lobby),” Dizon said.
He emphasized that only qualified and reputable contractors will be allowed to handle the work.
“Very, very meticulous tayo dito. Dapat ang contractor nito magaling. Hindi pupwedeng St. Timothy dito, tsaka St. Gerrard. Hindi pwedeng mga santo-santo dito (We are being very, very meticulous here. The contractor must be competent. It cannot be St. Timothy, nor St. Gerrard. It cannot be those ‘santo-santo’ firms),” he added.
Dizon noted that the rehabilitation will be undertaken in close coordination with PHLPost and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to ensure authenticity and structural soundness.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will also be involved to guarantee compliance with heritage preservation standards throughout the rehabilitation.
Sta. Maria said the project will adhere to a conservation management plan to maintain the building’s historical and cultural integrity.
“After restoring it, we will still use it as a post office… This will be a highlight of how good processes, integrity, and trustworthiness can rebuild a historical structure here in the Philippines,” he said.
The initial funding for the restoration is ₱300 million, to be sourced partly from PHLPost’s insurance proceeds, with additional allocations to be released for subsequent phases.
Located along Liwasang Bonifacio in the City of Manila, the Manila Central Post Office was heavily damaged by a massive blaze on May 21, 2023.
Investigators later traced the fire to an accidental car battery explosion in a storage area inside the building.

Related Tags

Manila Central Post Office DPWH heritage preservation restoration Philippine Postal Corporation
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