Restore post office building for its historical significance — Barbers

SURIGAO del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers today urged the national government to rebuild the Central Post Office for its historical significance, cultural heritage and national pride, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) taking the lead role.

“The structure was declared as an Important Cultural Property in 2018 by the National Museum, for its exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance. We should restore it as a symbol of our national pride,” Barbers said.

“The fact that the structure was built by great Filipino architects Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua is reason enough for its rebuilding and restoration. It is proudly Filipino made,” Barbers added.

“If and when restored, it can house many government agencies. With modern technology, not only postal services may use it. In this digital and virtual reality age, even offices dealing with artificial intelligence may be housed in the building, situated right in the heart of the nation. It can be a one-stop shop that can greatly benefit our people,” Barbers said.

“In its rebuilding and restoration, meticulous planning and resources should be alloted to fire control. In this day and age, buildings should be equipped with state of the art fire control system to save lives and property. It is appalling to see a historical landmark situated right beside the big Pasig river, destroyed by fire of this magnitude,” Barbers said.