Manila Post Office building recognized as ‘important cultural property’

Manila Post Office Building (Photo by Dindin Lagdameo/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

As the Philippine Postal Service celebrates its 251st founding anniversary, the National Museum recognized the Post Building in Manila as an “important cultural property” (ICP), the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) announced on Saturday, November 24.

An establishment declared as ICP obtains an “exceptional cultural, artistic and/or historical significance.”

ICPs, according to the law, may be granted government funding for its protection, conservation, and restoration.

The Manila Central Post Office, a neo-classical building, was built in 1926 in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

It was designed by Filipino architect Juan Arellano, along with two American architects, Tomas Mapua and Ralph Doane.

According to the PHL Post website, the said building was destroyed during World War II in 1945 but was rebuilt in 1946 after it was severely damaged due to the war.

The Post Office Building, it added, was considered as the “grandest building” during its time and is now considered as one of the “dominating landmarks” in Manila.

Under Republic Act (RA) 4846 or the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act, RA 8492 or the National Museum Act of 1998, and RA 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, it is the National Museum which is tasked to declare ICPs.