CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) official suggested that Pampanga Sugar Development Corporation’s (Pasudeco) mill be “conserved” in its entirety and be converted into a mall or museum to preserve its heritage value.

During Saturday’s heritage forum, Ivan Anthony Henares, vice president and youth adviser of the HCS, said it would be best if the City Government retain the original state of the sugar mill in its plan to develop the area where it is located into a central business district.

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“That is important because the sugar mill is even in the seal of the city, which means it is part of its long historical heritage. In fact, Pasudeco played a vital role in the development of the city since the beginning. Apart from its symbolic chimneys, we could perhaps retain, or rather conserve it entirely to preserve its heritage value,” Henares told Sun.Star Pampanga.

He said removing its galvanized iron walls and replacing them with glass would make the sugar mill an attraction in itself.

“Let’s take the cue from abroad where they convert dilapidated or unused buildings and turn them into museums. But they exert efforts to preserve the value of its heritage. I think we could also do that. I believe the City Government has ordinances on this that would be implemented soon,” Henares said, adding that Pasudeco, like the old railroad passenger station in the city, are heritage highlights that must be “conserved.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez lauded the HCS’ move to hold the 4th Philippine Towns and Cities Annual Conference here at Heroes Hall.

The HCS, led by Gemma Cruz Araneta and Nathaniel von Enseidel, had chosen the city as host for the November 6 to 7 conference, where heritage advocates and stakeholders gathered to discuss issues and concerns regarding heritage conservation based on this year’s theme “Reflections of the Past, Lessons for the Future.”

“It’s a good move on the part of Gemma and the HCS to hold the conference here and utilize our template for heritage conservation. It’s a very strong advocacy that we pursue here in the city for our future generations. We must strengthen our sense of preservation and conservation so we can be proud of our history,” Rodriguez said.

He told Sun.Star Pampanga that he was very happy that Cruz-Araneta and the HCS had noted his and the city’s strong heritage advocacies, including the creation of a heritage district in the city. (Jovi T. De Leon)