Casa Real undergoes genuine restoration

Lingayen, Pangasinan — Casa Real is not just a house of grandeur and history to the people of this province, but considered one of the symbols of the state.

While many among our generation recognize it as a tourist spot or a colonial-era mansion converted into an events hall of nostalgia, it should never lose its historical identity.

The old Casa Real

The "New" Casa Real

Historical value

Historians have said that since it once served as the seat of political power in the North, Casa Real’s renovation is not just a matter of fixing one of the oldest buildings in the province, but also restoring the integrity of its character.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in partnership with the Pangasinan provincial government, is coming up with a comprehensive Pangasinan Museum that will be housed in the edifice.

Recently, Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino, III and NHCP Executive Director Ludovico Badoy led the inspection and monitoring of the ongoing reconstruction of the Casa Real located at the town center of this capital town.

“The Casa Real (once completed) shall serve as repository of artifacts and other materials with significance to Pangasinan history and culture,” said Espino.

Badoy added: “Local people will run the museum and they will be properly trained by the NHCP, and we will always be there to monitor and train people.”

Real restoration

Badoy said Phases 1 and 2 of the structural restoration is now 85% complete and that preparations are ongoing for Phase 3 that includes focused on-site development and curatorial works.

The provincial government assumed initial funding of P5 million for Phase 1 of the restoration project that started in August last year.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) then spent P30 million to complete Phase 2 of the project through the efforts of former governor and now 5th District Rep. Amado T. Espino, Jr. and 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil.

Gov. Espino said another P50 million budget coming from the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA) is allotted to complete the final phase of the restoration. (as published at Manila Bulletin, July 24, 2016 by the same author)