NHCP warns Oslob LGU over planned sports complex at historic plaza

Local

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has formally warned the Oslob municipal government against proceeding with a planned sports complex inside the town’s historic plaza without the required heritage clearances.

It was the same area where the controversial cutting of decades-old acacia trees took place.

In a letter dated Sept. 3, 2026, and addressed to Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren, the NHCP called for strict compliance with heritage laws and the cessation of unauthorized activities for its proposed Oslob Sports and Cultural Center, which the municipality plans to build in the area of the former town plaza.

The NHCP said the project falls within a historic plaza covered by Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and its 2024 implementing rules and regulations.

Under the rules, developments within historic plazas require prior clearance from the NHCP. These include covered courts, multipurpose halls and government buildings, as well as perimeter walls, fences, bleachers, gazebos and other structures that could alter the character of the site.

"Please be informed that any work or development within, upon, or in the immediate vicinity of these heritage sites and structures that may affect their historical, architectural, or cultural significance shall be subject to review by the NHCP pursuant to Republic Act No. (RA) 10066, otherwise known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, as amended by

Republic Act No. 11961," portions of the NHCP read.

MyTV Cebu obtained a copy of the six-page document from NHCP, signed by Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr.

The proposed project site is bounded by the Old Municipal Building, Aragones, Eternidad and J.P. Rizal streets and forms part of Oslob’s historic townscape.

The NHCP said the area is part of a Spanish colonial urban plan, with several heritage properties surrounding the plaza.

These include the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, an NHCP-marked structure and declared Local Cultural Property listed in the Philippine Registry of Heritage; the Cuartel Ruins, which are also listed in the registry; and the Old Municipal Building.

The Old Municipal Building is considered a presumed Important Cultural Property, with a request concerning its demolition still under evaluation.

The NHCP also noted the presence of heritage acacia trees in the area.

While the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has jurisdiction over tree-cutting permits, the NHCP said the trees contribute to the visual integrity of the historic district.

Furthermore, the commission warned that a modern sports complex could affect the architectural and historical character of the town center.

The NHCP’s intervention followed an urgent petition filed on July 14 by Fr. Dani Pilario and other concerned residents seeking government action to protect the historic plaza.

The petition called for a heritage assessment, verification of required clearances, a site impact assessment, a compliance check and conservation recommendations.

The NHCP also questioned the timing of the project.

The Oslob local government held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 7, 2026, weeks before the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) issued its July 27 response regarding the Old Municipal Building’s presumed Important Cultural Property status.

The NHCP said the municipality also failed to expressly disclose in its initial correspondence that the proposed sports center would be built within the historic plaza.

It clarified that the NCCA’s no-objection to removing the Old Municipal Building’s presumed ICP status did not constitute clearance to construct a new structure within the historic plaza.

The NHCP said Oslob must submit an approved Historic Sites and Structures Survey Form and secure the necessary clearances before the project can proceed.

"Ln view of the foregoing, the NHCP expects the strict observance of all applicable heritage laws, rules, and regulations. The Municipality is likewise advised to ensure that no activity affecting the Oslob Town Plaza and adjacent heritage properties is undertaken without the appropriate clearances from this Commission," the commission added.

MyTV Cebu has reached out to Guaren for his comments but to no avail as of this writing.(RBE)