“The bandstand is not among the cultural heritage sites submitted to the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA),” stated Mrs. Mary Diane N. Flordeliza, Municipal Tourism Officer, when asked about the status of the controversial bandstand in relation to the historical sites or cultural properties of the Municipality of Miagao.
Mrs. Flordeliza outlined that Miagao boasts seven historical landmarks: Miagao Church, Taytay Boni, Kuta Watchtower, Roman Catholic Cemetery Chapel, Tan Pedro Monteclaro Monument, Tan Pedro Monteclaro Residence, and Baluarte Watchtower.
On July 30, 2019, the Sangguniang Bayan approved Resolution No. B2019-039, which adopted an updated inventory of cultural properties for the Municipality of Miagao. This inventory includes the aforementioned seven historical landmarks as well as ten additional cultural properties: two Spanish-era cannons, the municipal public plaza, the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Christ the King Monument, a fountain in front of the municipal government building, the cultural hall, Britanico Bridge, photographs/frames of former local chief executives and town heads, the ‘History of Miagao’ book, and local industries – hablon weaving, bamboo craft, among others.
CULTURAL MAPPING RESULT
In 2022, during the term of former Mayor Macario Napulan, the former tourism office, led by Anthony Selorio, submitted a Profile of Significant Cultural Heritage to the NCCA as part of their cultural mapping initiative. “The list included 80 cultural heritage sites; however, it did not name the bandstand,” Mrs. Flordeliza noted.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
In his address during the Flag Raising Ceremony, Mayor Richard Garin emphasized that “no plans will be implemented without proper consultations.” He further stressed that the Annual Investment Plan is derived from proposals by barangay leaders and recognized non-governmental organizations within the municipality, all of which received approval from the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Macario Napulan.
It may be noted that the rehabilitation of the municipal plaza stirred discussions, particularly concerning the idea of the demolition of the bandstand.
In his part, Mayor Garin said that it will not be demolished but will be relocated to its proper place.
