BFP-NCR to reconsider Sta. Mesa station reconstruction

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection’s National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) office might reconsider its plan to reconstruct the century-old Sta. Mesa fire station in Manila.

The agency previously announced a three-floor building would replace the fire station as part of the BFP’s 10-year modernization program that started in 2021.

Heritage advocates on Jan. 10 claimed the Sta. Mesa fire station would be demolished, but the BFP-NCR maintained it had “no idea” about the reported demolition.

The plan to reconstruct the fire station stemmed from the proposed road widening of Magsaysay Boulevard.

BFP-NCR logistics division chief Supt. Emmanuel Ricafort told The STAR they are currently applying for a building permit for the new fire station.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) wrote to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, seeking clarification on the issuance of a demolition permit “despite it being older than 50 years old.”

“We have to redesign the Sta. Mesa fire station. We have to consult with the NHCP,” Ricafort said, noting that they would revert funds if the construction will be postponed.

Asked how much the agency would spend in restoring fire stations deemed of historical value, Ricafort said it might exceed the standard cost of P25 million to build a fire station in a highly urbanized city like Manila.