Christmas decor removed from Carcar heritage monuments

OBSTRUCTION These Christmas decor put up in front of the Leon Kilat Monument in Carcar City have been removed and relocated to give residents a better view of the heritage landmark. —PHOTO COURTESY OF KA BINO GUERRERO JR.

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — The Carcar City government has transferred its Christmas decor away from the city’s heritage monuments in compliance with the directive from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Among those transferred were a figure of Santa Claus with his sleigh and reindeer, which were placed near the monuments of Leon Kilat and national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Candice Sandiego Acuña, public information officer of Carcar City, said the Christmas decor were relocated last week.

“When you really look at it, we don’t have bad intentions toward the monuments. It didn’t even cover them,” she told the Inquirer. “But in accordance with the NHCP’s ruling, we decided to relocate the decors.”

‘Good intention’

Arcuña said the decor are now being installed in front of the City Hall which is not considered a heritage site.

The NHCP last month asked Carcar City Mayor Mercedita Apura to transfer some of its Christmas ornaments that obstructed the view of the city’s heritage monuments.

“We understand the good intention of the LGU (local government unit) to put Christmas decorations in public spaces within the city in order to uplift the spirit of the people despite our current situation [amid] this pandemic. We suggest, however, to avoid putting decorations near or directly in front of the monuments,” the NHCP said.

“[NHCP] commends your effort to preserve and promote your heritage sites and structures as our legacy for future generations,” it added.

The NHCP’s letter came after Negros-based heritage advocate, Ka Bino Guerrero Jr., complained about the improper placement of the Christmas decorations, which he said, “desecrated the monuments.”

“Putting the decorations right in front of the monument is a clear violation of the guidelines set forth by the NHCP. Carcar City should be mindful of these guidelines,” he told the Inquirer in an interview.

Not politically motivated

Guerrero said his complaint was not politically motivated, noting that it was done for “heritage’s sake.”

“My complaint has no political reason whatsoever. For me, it is a venue for learning. I am doing it so they will know the guidelines,” he said.

Val Sandiego, president of the Carcar Heritage Conservation Society, said they were happy with the actions taken by heritage advocates “to preserve and conserve” the city’s landmarks.

“They (city officials) have no choice but to take it out. They should know that Carcar is a heritage city. They have to be careful on what to do,” he said.

—KARLOWE BRIER