MANILA, Philippines - I am reprinting a letter from a respected professor at Ateneo de Manila University forwarded to me by the Heritage Conservation Society.

For background information, Barasoain Church, acknowledged by all Filipinos as an important national landmark, was thoroughly and professionally restored in 1998 for the Philippine Centennial celebration.

All alterations and remodeling to the original structure were removed and the church was returned as close as possible to its appearance at the time of the historic Constitutional Convention of the Malolos Republic.

The existing convento adjacent to the church was converted into a museum, and new parish offices and priests quarters were constructed at the rear of the church compound.

?Jan. 28, 2008
Concern: Barasoain Church, Malolos

Dear Ms Gemma Cruz-Araneta,

I would like to bring to your attention [if you are not already aware of it] a project currently undertaken at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, seat of the first national congress of the Malolos Republic and thus a declared historic landmark, by virtue of National Historical Institute (NHI).

Very recently, modern canopies have been added at the sides of the building, in front of the two major entrances facing the road [see pictures 1 and 3], whereas two more such canopies are currently under construction on the side of the church facing the courtyard (see picture 4). All pictures were taken on Jan. 24.
?According to a church official, the new canopies were designed by an architect in order to prevent the entrance of water into the building during rain. According to the same official, the project was approved by NHI in a meeting in November 2007, attended by the parish priest, the architect, and a representative of NHI.
Yours sincerely ? ?

This letter says it all. Not only do the new canopies totally violate the conservation requirement of maintaining architectural authenticity of the historic monument, they are also constructed of concrete, a material totally incompatible with Spanish colonial adobe-and-lime construction.

So here we go again.

Will this ever stop?

Heritage watch

The Heritage Conservation Society launches its 2008 Architectural Conservation Lectures in partnership with the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission.

Tina Paterno, a professional conservator practicing in the United States, will speak on conservation procedures and issues 9 a.m.-12 nn at the Army and Navy Club in South Boulevard at Rizal Park in Ermita.

The lecture is open to the public. However, reservations are encouraged by informing the Heritage Conservation Society Secretariat of your intention to attend. Call 5212239 or 5222497.

In lieu of seminar fees, your kind donation to the HCS will be much appreciated.

E-mail the author at pride.place@gmail.com