Wednesday, November 07, 2007 Mayor names heritage conservation projects
MAYOR Celso Lobregat emphasized Tuesday that his administration is undertaking steps to protect and preserve heritage sites in recognition of Zamboanga City’s rich and colorful history and culture.
Lobregat said the enactment of the city’s Tourism Ordinance is a concrete example of the present administration’s vigorous intention to conserve the legacy of Zamboanga.
The tourism code for one identifies the area from City Hall to the Fort Pilar shrine as a heritage zone wherein all buildings or structures have to conform to certain architectural designs.
Lobregat said most of the buildings such as the City Hall, the National Museum, and the Fort Pilar where constructed during the Spanish-American era.
“Zamboanga City has a very rich history and it is full of culture. We recognize that, even in our mission and vision of the city, we want not only to serve but to celebrate history, culture, and heritage,” the mayor stressed.
Lobregat is set to attend a mayor’s forum in Iloilo City this week where the preservation of heritage in Philippine towns and cities would be discussed. The activity is being initiated by the Heritage Conservation Society led by former beauty queen Gemma Cruz-Araneta.
Zamboanga, Asia’s Latin City, has numerous heritage sites, one of which is City Hall, the seat of government which was constructed from 1905-1907. The Fort Pilar shrine is another example.
The City Government, Lobregat said, is also supporting the project of the Heritage Conservation Society and the Department of Education to rehabilitate Gabaldon buildings, one of which is located in Zamboanga specifically at the West Central School.
Lobregat has requested the Department of Education to provide a copy of the building plan in line with his commitment to reconstruct the Gabaldon building at the Central School.
Other projects geared for the upkeep of heritage sites in the city are also in full swing, the mayor added. (Sheila E. Covarrubias)
