Malacañang sa Sugbu eyed as heritage site

CEBU CITY, Philippines  – The government is inclined to preserve the Malacañang sa Sugbu and develop it as a heritage site.

Mayor Michael Rama said this was apparent during his meeting with officials in Malacañang recently, adding that the Presidential Management Staff asked him about the city government's plans for the building.

The building, which has been in existence since 1910, used to house the Bureau of Customs (BOC) until 2004 when former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converted it to a Malacañang of the South, and served as her residence whenever she would visit Cebu.

The BOC demanded that the property be returned to them but Rama appealed to President Aquino for its preservation.

Rama said he wants Malacañang sa Sugbu to be part of the planned Heritage Park in this province that will include Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro and possibly the Campania Maritima.

He said part of the building will be converted into a museum while one room will be retained as the President’s residence. He said the President’s room will be called the hero’s hall, which will also contain pictures and memorabilia.

Another part of the building might be occupied by the cultural and historical affairs office, he added.

He said he also wants the property to be titled under the name of the city, considering that they have already spent millions for its rehabilitation and preservation.

Rama said the planned heritage site is expected to be one of the must-visit places here for both local and foreign tourists.   – Freeman News Service