Quiapo Heritage Zone bill pushed

MANILA, Philippines — In time for the observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene yesterday, Sen. Lito Lapid renewed his call for the passage of a bill declaring Manila’s Quiapo district as a National Heritage Zone.

Lapid said Quiapo is a historic landmark known for its old infrastructure, rich culture and being the site of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.

He asked his colleagues to approve Senate Bill 1471 or the proposed Quiapo Heritage Zone Act, in response to the call of heritage conservationists and residents of the district to declare Quiapo as such.

“Since Saturday, thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene went to Quiapo to express their faith. This is one of the many occasions that show the rich history, tradition and culture of Quiapo that we must appreciate and protect,” Lapid said.

He said the measure would not only help restore and preserve the Quiapo district, but would also create a wide range of attractions, from recreational facilities and retail options to adventure opportunities.

“Quiapo bore witness to many key events in our nation’s history and we will be remiss in our historical obligations to future generations of Filipinos if we let Quiapo fall into disrepair and fade into oblivion,” the bill’s explanatory note read.

Under the bill, built heritage sites in the proposed cultural heritage zone include the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church, Minor Basilica of San Sebastian, Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center, Plaza del Carmen, Plaza Miranda, Quinta Market, Calle Hidalgo, Padilla Art Gallery, Globo de Oro street and several historic homes in the district.

Once enacted into law, the heritage zone will receive funding from the Department of Tourism, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Public Works and Highways and other cultural agencies.