New bill wants updated safety standards for heritage buildings

via Philippine Star, 01 June 2023: New legislation proposed in the wake of the Manila Central Post Office fire last month.

Following the fire that tore through the Manila Central Post Office, a new House bill has been filed that aims to preserve heritage structures by “retrofitting” these with modern safety standards.

Filed by Rep. Howard Guintu (Pinuno Party-list), House Bill 8422 amends the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 to require the “appropriate cultural agency” to ensure that national historical landmarks, sites and monuments conform to “current structural safety and fire prevention standards” and other preventive measures.

The retrofitting of heritage sites, however, should not affect its “distinctive features,” according to the bill.

Source: New bill wants updated safety standards for heritage buildings | Philstar.com