Photo courtesy of Stephen John Pamorada, Heritage Conservation Society
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has stopped the demolition of the iconic El Hogar Filipino building in Binondo, Manila.
The NHCP issued today a cease-and-desist order against the demolition being carried out by the New Golden City Builders (NGCB).
The NHCP issued the order a day after photos were posted on Facebook of the developer carting away the building’s grillwork on a truck with the name of NGCB on it.
Manila City Hall, which apparently issued the demolition permit, had not identified the new owner of the 100-year-old building.
Located along the Pasig River, El Hogar was built in 1914 and was one of the few remaining American colonial structures in Manila.
It has elements of neoclassical and Renaissance styles and aside from its aesthetic value, it is historically significant since it used to house a financing cooperative, Smith Bell and Co., and other important businesses, representing the rise of Philippine commerce.