PHLPost, DPWH ink deal to restore fire-hit Manila Central Post Office

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) on Wednesday inked an agreement to begin the restoration and rehabilitation of the iconic Manila Central Post Office Building, which was hit by fire in May 2023.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and PHLPost CEO Maximo Sta. Maria III signed a memorandum of agreement for the DPWH to implement the restoration and retrofitting of the fire-hit historic building.

In an interview with reporters following the signing ceremony, Dizon said the rehabilitation of the Manila Post Office building would be done in phases. 

Phase 1 involves the restoration of the building's facade and lobby targeted to be completed by early next year in time for the Philippines' hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

The Public Works chief said the DPWH would work closely with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to ensure that the building's historical value would be preserved while undergoing restoration.

"Our promise… is we will do this right. And we will do this as fast as possible," Dizon said.

Sta. Maria, for his part, said the upcoming restoration of the Manila Post Office building "will be a highlight of good processes, integrity, and trustworthiness in rebuilding a historical structure here in the Philippines."

On May 21, 2023, a fire hit the Manila Central Post Office, which started in the basement of the building and immediately spread to the top floors.

The fire reached its first alarm at 11:41 p.m. on May 21, 2023 and general alarm, or its highest fire alarm level, at 5:54 a.m. on May 22, 2023.

After more than 30 hours, the fire at the Manila Central Post Office was declared out on May 23, 2023.

Earlier this month, the PHLPost said it was seeking a P500-million budget for the restoration and retrofitting of the Manila Central Post Office. — VDV, GMA Integrated News