Old Philippines chancery in Washington now historical landmark

MANILA, Philippines — The old chancery of the Philippine embassy in Washington, where Filipino leaders presided over the transition from a Commonwealth to an independent republic in 1946, was designated a national historical landmark for the Philippines.

“It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that the embassy accepts this solemn charge today of preserving the history, nationalism and dignity that this building embodies for the people of the Philippines,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Two historical markers, one in Filipino and another in English, were unveiled during the ceremony last Nov. 9.

“As a people with a deep sense of nostalgia, Filipinos will ever be mindful of the hard work of our forefathers that have taken us to where we are today. We shall do what we can to protect and safeguard it with honor. And this building, this National Historical Landmark, no doubt, will constantly remind us of our sacred charge and of our solemn responsibility,” Romualdez added.

It was at the Old Chancery that stands at 1617 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington where Resident Commissioners Joaquin Elizalde and Carlos P. Romulo presided over the transition of the Philippines from being a Commonwealth into an independent republic.

For a time during World War II, the building also served as headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth government-in-exile.

“Crucial meetings, such as war Cabinet meetings, were held in this building. These gatherings were attended by President Manuel L. Quezon and Vice President Sergio Osmeña,” said Rene Escalante, chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

After independence, the building became the first Chancery of the Philippine embassy in Washington and was declared a national historical landmark by the National Historical Commission on April 16.

A national historical landmark is defined as a site or structure associated with events or achievements significant to Philippine history.

“With its storied past, this building, no doubt, needs to be preserved and promoted as an important cultural property,” Escalante added.

In his remarks, Hank Hendrickson, executive director of the US-Philippines Society, recalled “that Sunday, November 11th, is the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. In marking Armistice Day, now known here as Veterans Day, we remember not only the end of the war, but the beginnings of efforts to construct new global arrangements embodying the principle of ‘self-determination of peoples.’ This is the point that connects events of 100 years ago to this building and the people who worked here on a mission to achieve self-determination and independence of the Philippines, with support from the government of the United States.”