MANILA, Philippines ? A ranking local official of Laoag City has taken exception to accusations that the planned relocation of the Laoag Central Elementary School (LCES) would lead to the death of one of the city?s heritage learning institution.

In a statement, Raul D. Umengan, the city mayor?s executive secretary, raised the possibility that moves to oppose the transfer could be the work of the political opposition.

?Contrary to allegations that the project was met with stiff opposition by the business sector and the school community, we did not see any opposition to the same except those coming from political foes who insist on making the issue a political one,? his statement said.

Umengan issued the statement after a certain Ivan Anthony Henares, a conservationist, recently came out and publicly decried the plan to convert the current location of the LCES into a commercial complex.

?To set the facts straight, the LCES is presently completely surrounded by commercial establishments where heavy traffic and commercial activity abounds,? said Umengan?s statement.

?Coming to and from the school has not only become a hazard for students but has also badly affected its conduciveness to learning.?

Based on a marker inscribed on its facade, the school building was built in 1929 after the 1.3-hectare land, owned by the Roman Catholic Church, was donated to the then town of Laoag by Nueva Segovia Bishop Santiago Sancho in 1924.

He also scored Henares for claiming that the LCES is part of the a heritage site and should be preserved.

?True heritage advocates should know that LCES is not included in the certified list of national shrines and national historical landmarks identified by the National Historical Institute,? Umengan said.

Umengan said officials are not abolishing the school but transferring it to a site more conducive to learning.