NCCA to decide on PLDT petition to declassify Cojuangco bldg as Important Cultural Property

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is expected to decide on the petition filed by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Inc. to remove the Ramon Cojuangco Building from the status as an Important Cultural Property (ICP).

In its petition, PLDT said that it plans to “redevelop and transform [the building] into a modern, ecologically sustainable, and open-campus type headquarters”.

The petition pointed out that the said building “does not demonstrate exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance. Thus, it cannot be regarded as an ICP”. Nor that it represents Locsin’s iconic works, and that is “generic, non-descript, and purged of any references to local culture, tradition, climate or identity of the place.”

The building was designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin in 1974. It is a 15-storey building that houses the headquarters of PLDT.  It is located on the corner of Dela Rosa street and Makati avenue.

The building was also the site of a major historic event – it was where Filipino engineer Benjie Tan set up the router that enabled the Philippines’ first internet connection in 1994.

These plans require PLDT to get the approval of the NCCA to remove the building’s status as ICP.

Republic Act 10066 defines ICP as “a cultural, artistic and historical significance to the Philippines as shall be determined by the National Museum and/or National Historical Institute”.

The Act said ICP include works by a National Artist, unless otherwise declared by the commission. Properties declared ICPs are protected against exportation, modification, or demolition.

The NCCA has asked those who are affected to file their written support or opposition with the NCCA until June 7.