ZAMBOANGA CITY: Several residents
showed irritation over the ongoing improvements at the historic Fort Pilar,
calling the development as an act of "desecration" rather than a
change for the better.
The said building, dating back in
the 17th century and made of red brick polish, is now painted with smooth white
paint, like the Spanish colonial buildings common in Latin America.
Renovation was reportedly completed
in the south and east walls with the west and north sections, information
gathered by Misamis News from residents said.
Chavacanos say it used to symbolize
the cultural heritage of this city but now it shows “a loss of the structure's
architectural integrity,” a message flooding all across the Philippine social
media this week showing the resentment of Zamboangueños.
Councilor and Tourism Committee
chair Vincent Paul "VP" Elago was the first to raise the issue on his
Facebook account, asking if the work done really preserved the history and significance
of the antique walls.
He added that the newly cemented
building wall is of no difference to a newly cemented building.
As this developed, a petition
calling for signatures against the "deliberate disregard and violation” of
Fort Pilar is said to open out its campaign in the internet.
The National Museum, meanwhile, is
yet to issue its statement on the matter as it is reported that a
representative is scheduled to visit this city to explain its side.
(NEWS POSTED ALSO IN HARDLINE WEEKLY, PAGADIAN CITY)