After earlier warning, NHCP issues cease-and-desist order on Oslob project

Local

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has escalated its intervention in a controversial development project in Oslob, Cebu.

The agency has issued a formal cease-and-desist order (CDO) after previously directing the municipal government to refrain from construction at the town's historic plaza.

In an order dated Oct. 19, NHCP directed Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren to immediately suspend all construction and development activities related to the proposed Sports and Cultural Center, citing the absence of heritage clearance and the project's potential impact on nearby historical landmarks.

Likewise, it warned the local government of potential legal consequences should it proceed with the construction of the project pending review.

“Any continuation of construction or site development activities while the Commission’s review remains pending may result in alterations affecting heritage assets and their historic setting and shall be dealt in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,” the NHCP wrote.

The two-page document was signed by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr.

Copies were also furnished to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Cebu provincial governor's office and local historian Jose Eleazar Bersales.

The latest order followed an earlier NHCP directive dated Sept. 30, which instructed the municipality not to proceed with construction while the commission evaluated the historical significance of the site.

Despite the earlier directive, the NHCP said it had received reports that construction and site development activities were being undertaken within the Oslob Town Plaza area.

"As previously communicated by NHCP, no clearance has been issued for the proposed Sports and Cultural Center," the commission said.

The formal CDO, issued under the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 10066), covers construction, excavation, demolition, site preparation, installation and all other project-related activities.

The suspension will remain in effect until the commission completes its evaluation and issues the appropriate clearance.

Heritage concerns

The NHCP reiterated that the project site lies within Oslob's historic core, near the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Cuartel Ruins and Old Municipal Building.

It also cited a Sept. 23 decision by its Board of Commissioners denying a petition to remove the Old Municipal Building's presumed Important Cultural Property (ICP) status.

The commission said the building contributes to the historic character of Oslob, making its preservation an important consideration in evaluating the proposed development.

Meanwhile, the municipality's position that the existing plaza is not the original colonial plaza remains under NHCP review.

The commission also cited heritage protection regulations prohibiting covered structures and similar permanent installations within historic plazas and public squares.

It stressed that the evaluation must be completed before activities potentially affecting the area's historical character and surrounding heritage assets could proceed.

Aside from stopping construction, the NHCP directed the municipal government to immediately coordinate with the commission and submit a report detailing all activities already undertaken at the site.

The municipality must also provide updated photographs, project plans, permits and other relevant documents to support the ongoing evaluation, it added.

"The NHCP expects the immediate and full compliance of the Municipal Government of Oslob with this Order," the commission said.

It warned that continued construction or development while the review remains pending would be dealt with under applicable laws and regulations.(RBE)