New Patria plan gets NHCP approval

CEBU, Philippines — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has now given a go signal for the proponents to proceed with the new redevelopment plan of the decades-old Patria de Cebu in downtown Cebu City.

The new design was unveiled Monday morning and, this time, the blueprint incorporates the appeal of the local heritage advocates to retain the façade of the old building.

Jose Franco Soberano, executive vice president and COO of Cebu Landmasters, Inc., said the firm has committed to the NHCP and other heritage advocates that it will heed to its request and recommendations preserving the historic edifice of Patria.

But he said 80 to 90 percent of Patria’s frontage will be preserved since modifications have to be applied to ensure its structural stability given its old age – a plan which NHCP also agreed to.

Among the modifications are the retrofitting of the windows and stairs, and the widening of the entrance door.

The proponents wants a bigger entrance because they are anticipating that huge crowd especially churchgoers at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which lies across Patria, will be flocking at this modern public space.

The focal point of the property is the large central interior courtyard, which is reminiscent of a piazza.

The 21,000 square-meter area will also have two basement parking. The project, inspired by Filipino and Spanish architecture, will have retail spaces, office spaces, hotel with 167 guest rooms and function room amenities.

Soberano said refurbishing of Patria’s façade may start once all permits and other necessary documents will be secured, while the new proposed building at the back may start construction on the last quarter this year.

The new building may open by March 2021, he said.

Since the façade will be retained, only the back portion will be demolished and the project managers still have to secure demolition permit.

Soberano said this project is seen to revitalize the downtown area and soon will become part of the 500th anniversary celebration of the coming of Christianity in the country.

NHCP Chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante said the project managers already have a clearance from the agency since they already complied with the necessary documents that were required of them.

He now leaves the discretion to the city government’s Office of the Building Official to decide whether it will permit them to construct with the project.

“We have to submit this to the city because ultimately it is the building officials that will issue the permits. But normally, building officials will not issue permit without getting all things that we issue. That should be the procedure,” he said.

Project managers said the 40-year lease of contract remains but there are just little setbacks on the timeline especially that the start of the construction has been delayed with the changes of the redevelopment plan.

Jose Soberano III, Chairman and CEO of CLI, said the project cost reaches nearly P1 billion, much higher that the initial P900 million budget. He said the developers may be spending close to P1 billion with one key adjustment to add another basement.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the current developments are a fruit of prayers, discernment and collaborative effort.

He felt grateful to the NHCP for guiding them and much more to the developers CLI for being open to the suggestions and recommendations even if it will cause a delay. (FREEMAN)