Manila Post Office Building declared 'important cultural property'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24) — The National Museum has declared the Manila Post Office building as an "important cultural property" (ICP), the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) said Saturday.

An ICP is defined as an establishment that has "exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines."

Under the law, an ICP may receive government funding for its protection, conservation and restoration.

The declaration came as the Philippine Postal Service commemorates its 251st anniversary.

The neo-classical building located at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila City was designed by architects Tomas Mapua, Juan Marcos Arellano and Ralph Doane, according to PhilPost website. It was rebuilt in 1946 following the World War II in 1945.

The National Museum is mandated to declare ICPs or National Cultural Treasures under several laws, such as Republic Act (RA) 4846 or the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act; Presidential Decree No. 260; RA 8492 or the National Museum Act of 1998; and RA 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.