Nat'l Museum declares Post Office Bldg 'important cultural property'

The National Museum has declared that the historic Post Office Building is an important cultural property (IPC).

An IPC is a cultural asset that possesses "exceptional cultural, artistic and/or historical significance."

In a statement on Saturday, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) said the "cultural, artistic, and historical significance" of the Post Office Building was recognized by the National Museum with the IPC declaration.

During the American occupation, the building was built in 1926 as a modern colonial architecture, an example of a perfect neo-classical monument built and designed by Filipino Architect Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua at the heart of Manila. The building was rebuilt after World War II.

The first known location of the Manila Post Office was along Escolta, next to the Estero de la Reina near Santa Cruz church.

The National Museum is mandated to declare cultural properties of the Philippines as either Important Cultural Properties or National Cultural Treasures, pursuant to several laws, including Republic Act No. 4846 (Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act).  —Jessica Bartolome/LBG, GMA News