Legal basis and covered heritage authority
- P.D. 260 vests the National Museum and the National Historical Institute with authority to study, declare, and supervise the restoration of historical sites, buildings, churches, and monuments of historical and/or cultural significance.
- P.D. 756 incorporates additional named areas into the framework of P.D. 260.
- The National Museum’s authority extends to actions affecting the incorporated areas through required prior study, consultation, and approval.
Policy purpose for preservation
- P.D. 756 declares a preservation objective to maintain the historical and cultural significance of the identified Vigan areas.
- The decree recognizes a trend of modernization in Vigan that would eventually “eat up” the named portions unless preserved.
- P.D. 756 ties preservation to the development of tourism and to preservation of the country’s history and culture.
What areas are brought under the law
- P.D. 756 adds the Mestizo section in Vigan, Ilocos Sur into the scope of P.D. 260.
- P.D. 756 adds the houses of Padre Jose Burgos and Leona Florentino into the scope of P.D. 260.
- The covered areas are the specific portions identified during preliminary inventory work conducted by the National Museum Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
- The added areas are incorporated and made a part of P.D. 260.
Core prohibition: no demolition, repair, or renovation
- P.D. 756 provides that no demolition, repair or renovation of buildings in the incorporated areas shall be undertaken.
- The prohibition applies to buildings located within the Mestizo section and the houses of Padre Jose Burgos and Leona Florentino.
- The rule governs actions that would constitute demolition, repair, or renovation.
- The restriction is enforced by requiring prior institutional review and approvals by the National Museum under P.D. 260’s preservation framework.
Required process before any building changes
- P.D. 756 requires prior study before any demolition, repair, or renovation of buildings in the covered areas.
- P.D. 756 requires prior consultation before any demolition, repair, or renovation of buildings in the covered areas.
- P.D. 756 requires prior approval before any demolition, repair, or renovation of buildings in the covered areas.
- The National Museum conducts the required prior study, consultation, and approval process for building changes within the incorporated areas.
Transitory or savings clauses; separability and repeals
- P.D. 756 does not state any transitory clause, separability clause, sunset clause, or express repealing provision within its operative terms.