Two years after the tragic fire that destroyed the iconic Manila Central Post Office, on 21 May 2023, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) made a significant step forward in its mission to rebuild and restore the national treasure.
PHLPost is preparing to publish the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED) of the structure, opening the process for public bidding this month. This critical milestone marks the official start of the restoration phase, as the agency moves from recovery to revival, as the PHLPost building marks its 100th year in 2026.
The DAED is essential for the rehabilitation of the MCPO, ensuring that the structure adheres to modern safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards while preserving its historical and cultural integrity as a national heritage site. It also forms the basis for accurate cost estimation and public bidding, ensuring transparency and proper resource allocation.
The Bureau of Fire Protection reported that the fire was an accident in nature. The building is sound for retrofitting based on a study conducted by a private firm commissioned by the Department of Tourism through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. PHLPost conducted market sounding with reputable companies as part of its preparation for the restoration.
In support of its ongoing efforts, it also partnered with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the repainting of the building’s facade and held a series of coordination and succession meetings with partner agencies, particularly the cultural agencies, to align restoration goals and strategies.
The restoration effort is being guided by the Office of the First Lady and Office of the Executive Secretary, and this is a whole of government approach with the following agencies, composed of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Authority (TIEZA), City Government of Manila, National Museum of the Philippines, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The collaborative approach ensures that historical integrity, cultural value, and urban development are thoughtfully integrated into the rebuilding process.
Completed in 1926 and designed by Filipino architect Juan Arellano, the Manila Central Post Office was one of the country’s finest examples of neoclassical architecture and served as the headquarters of PHLPost. It played a vital role not only in postal operations but also as a historical landmark along the banks of the Pasig River. The unfortunate event on May 21, 2023, was widely mourned as a loss to the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage.
“This project is about honoring our past, preserving our identity, and showing the strength and unity of our people through heritage conservation and nation-building,” said Postmaster General and CEO Luis D. Carlos.
The rebuilt Manila Central Post Office is envisioned to serve not only as a hub for postal services but also as a historical and cultural centerpiece for Manila and the country as a whole. Additional details regarding the bidding process, design scope, and project timeline will be announced soon.
