The Massacre continues: Demolishing the Old PNB building

Old PNB Building in Escolta

Manila, under the administration of Mayor Joseph Estrada continues its massacre of the city’s irreplaceable landmarks. Last year January 7, the PNB building caught on fire due to faulty electrical wiring. The building sustained structural damage and there has been incidents of falling debris the following months. It was declared condemned by the local engineering department and a hazard to the surrounding area.

This year heritage enthusiasts and experts are on the lookout for another wave of heritage massacres, similar to what happened to the Heritage Massacre of September 2014 with the recent El Hogar demolition now imminent, the loss of the Original Savory Chicken restaurant in Escolta, and the city’s plan to retake the Manila Metropolitan theatre from the NCCA.

Mayor Joseph Estrada claims the old PNB building is dangerous to pedestrians and that the age of the building plus last year’s fire had made it impossible for any restoration, to which experts disagree citing that the demolition only opens it to another condo developer to the already ever congested city. Haven’t we had enough of these condos?
The announcement stirs vigilance and awareness among local citizens and those who had fond memories staying, working, and even passing by the said building. Letting the PNB waste away will forever change Escolta. This shows how the government treat our National Heritage; only as mere nuisance to what they see “progress” in the city, and this has become an epidemic mind set that spreads throughout the country. Made by a national artist or not, when money is on the table, anything can happen to these works of art.

So in the coming elections, let us vote those who have the vision to utilize our falling heritage and see the potential it can bring to our cities. Old buildings like the PNB have identity and a story to tell that can become great tourist sites and educational pilgrimages to improve the ambience of the neighbourhood.

Not all that is broken has to be thrown away, some are worth the effort to fix.

Remember…Not long ago, Intramuros was nothing but rubble… some wanted it demolished and gone... while some wanted it saved and restored.. Now look at Intramuros now. Imagine if the demolition went on.. Would you still say our heritage is worthless?

Written by : Peter Danielle Rallos
Edited by : Axl Guinto

Source reference 
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/173745/september-massacre-of-manilas-heritage-condemned

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/756624/no-choice-but-to-tear-down-old-pnb-building-says-erap http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/220218/experts-condemn-pnb-building-demolition-laugh-off-eraps-claim-that-structure-is-unsafe

Photo http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/219590/eraps-city-hall-does-it-again-demolishes-pnb-building-on-escolta