THE threatened demolition of Laoag Central Elementary School and the façade of Dingras church in Ilocos Norte has resulted in a unified stand by community and government to protect the built heritage in the province, possibly the first time in the country that all sectors have united to officially protect heritage.

Rep. Bongbong Marcos of the 2nd District wrote me: ?I would like to assure you that the historic Dingras church in Ilocos Norte will not be demolished as feared. Instead, a responsible restoration plan will be put in place not only to save the church but also other churches and historical sites in the province needing repair and rehabilitation.

?I have talked with Dingras municipal officials and asked them to advise the parish not to proceed with the demolition pending final discussions with the public and other stakeholders.

?There is a way to restore old structures and historical sites such as what the Indonesian government did with the Borobudur temples and the continuing restoration of the Angkor Wat complex by the Cambodian authorities.

?I have allocated a portion of my development fund to a perpetual restoration trust for all the designated historical sites in Ilocos Norte...

?Furthermore, I also plan to meet with government agencies such as the Department of Tourism and the National Historical Institute to find ways by which a similar restoration trust fund can be established to support current efforts to save our heritage sites.?

Next week: Ilocos Norte Governor Michael Keon takes action.

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