Concerns raised over project endangering Cebu’s heritage houses
Heritage advocates in Cebu province have raised the alarm over the construction of a commercial building in Carcar City, which they said is threatening the architectural integrity of two Spanish-era houses.
The two stately abodes comprise the rich built environment of Carcar, a heritage zone due to the presence of many heritage structures of note.
Together with Cebu City, these are two places in the province which have many extant built heritage properties, landing them entries in the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Encyclopedia of Philippine Art.
Acting upon the letter sent by local heritage advocates and concerned citizens, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), through its chairman, Regalado Trota Jose, issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the project on Nov. 29, 2024 as it “threatens the physical integrity” of the Mercado Mansion and Ang Dakong Balay (Don Florencio Noel) House.
Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, both houses were declared Heritage Houses by the then National Historical Institute in 2009, making them Grade II level cultural properties.
In the letter addressed to Ri Sheng Realty Development Corporation (RSRDC) owner Li Shao Luo, Jose said that the CDO suspended “all activities involving the ongoing developments of the RSRDC that threaten the physical integrity of the heritage houses.”
It ordered the developer to submit to the commission longitudinal and cross sections of the building, create a 5-m buffer zone from the houses which emanate from their respective fences, specifications and methodology of the project including the basement parking, and changing of the facade design to conform to the “dominant architectural character” inside the Carcar heritage zone.
RA 11644
The commission also ordered the developer to submit a certification from a structural engineer saying the project will not affect both houses.
Republic Act No. 11644 declared Carcar City as a heritage zone in 2022 with developments “subject to the rules and regulations governing the conservation and preservation of heritage zones.”
The law shall promote and preserve “the cultural and historical landmarks that highlight the uniqueness and beauty of Carcar City, including all century-old architecturally significant and historic houses thereat, shall be pursued in the development and management of its tourism industry, cultural heritage, and resources.”
Lifestyle contacted the developer for comments on the matter, particularly if NHCP’s orders were heeded, but it has yet to issue a statement.
The NHCP was also asked about the possible compliance of the developer but the response was not concrete.
Located on Santa Catalina Street, both houses were owned by former leaders of Carcar, one built in the 19th century and one renovated in 1906.
Other heritage structures
In a decrepit state is the Ang Dakong Balay owned by Don Florencio Noel, the first presidente municipal (mayor) of Carcar who served from 1901 to 1905.
It is a Spanish-era bahay na bato built in the first half of the 19th century, with the first level made of coral stone and the second level of wood.
The other house, the Mercado Mansion, was possibly constructed first in the 1880s and renovated in 1906 by former Carcar mayor Mariano Mercado, one of the American-era mayors of the city.
Mercado was instrumental in the construction of other heritage structures in the city including the rotunda, swimming pool, and dispensary.
In its declaration as a heritage house, the NHCP notes it is “a fine example of architecture during the American period, displaying ornate designs and testimony to the artistry and ingenuity of its builders.”
Two other declared heritage houses in Carcar are the Sarmiento-Osmeña house (Balay na Tisa) built in 1859 and the Silva House, which also dates back to the Spanish period.
Apart from the structures mentioned, other heritage buildings in the city include the Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church, Saint Catherine’s College Administration building, Carcar City Hall, Uphill Elementary School, and the Rizal and Leon Kilat monuments.
Other heritage houses include those owned by the Aleonar Barceló-Peñalosa, Sato, and Yap families.
