Senate urged to pass bill declaring Quiapo, Manila a national heritage-cultural zone

Senator Lito Lapid has urged the Senate to approve the bill declaring Quiapo District in Manila as a national heritage-cultural zone, days before the traditional Traslacion or the procession of Jesus Nazareno on January 9.

Filed in 2022, the measure seeks to craft a comprehensive Quiapo Heritage Zone Development plan to protect, preserve, conserve, restore, and promote the district's cultural heritage. It is currently pending in the Senate Committee.

Lapid, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, said Quiapo has immense contributions to the country's tourism, religious beliefs, tradition, and culture as it was the center of trade during the pre-colonial times.

"Dahil kinikilala natin ang kahalagahan ng Quiapo sa ating kultura at kasaysayan, at 'di matatawarang ambag sa pambansang kaunlaran, dapat lamang ipakita ng pamahalaan ang kanyang pagpapahalaga dito sa pamamagitan ng pagtakda sa Distrito ng Quiapo bilang isang Historical and Cultural Heritage Zone," Lapid said.

("Because we recognize the importance of Quiapo in our culture and history and its undeniable contribution to the country's development, the government should show its appreciation by designating Quiapo as a historical and cultural heritage zone.")

Lapid also cited religious structures that were built in Quiapo, such as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church, which houses the image of the Jesus Nazareno; the San Sebastian Church; and the Masjid Al-Dahab, the largest mosque in Metro Manila. 

—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MGP, GMA Integrated News