LISTING A SITE OR A STRUCTURE

As mandated by the Philippine History Act of 2009 (Sections 5c and 5d) the National Historical Commission of the Philippines is tasked to undertake and prescribe the manner of restoration, conservation and protection of the country’s historical movable and immovable objects and manage, maintain and administer national shrines, monuments, historical sites, edifices and landmarks of significant historico-cultural value. In this regard, NHCP, through the Historic Preservation Division (HPD), spearheads projects on the surveying, documentation, recognition, restoration and maintenance of historic sites and structures.

Step 1: Meeting the Standards

The structure subjected for a potential recognition should meet the criteria in considering a site or structure’s significance. RA 10086 or the Philippine History Act of 2010 defines built heritage as architectural and engineering structures with notable historical and cultural significance such as, but not limited to:

bridges
government buildings
houses of ancestry
traditional dwellings
quartels
train stations
lighthouses
small ports

educational, technological and industrial complexes,
all of these sites and structures’ settings, and landscapes

Furthermore, the same law places historic sites and structures into five (5) categories:

National historical landmarks refers to sites or structures which are associated with events or achievements significant to Philippine history declared as such by the NHCP.
National historical monuments refers to structures erected as a memorial to great heroes or events in Philippine history declared as such by the NHCP.
Heritage houses houses of ancestry with notable historical, cultural, social, architectural and artistic value and significance as declared by the NHCP.
National historical shrines sites or structures hallowed and revered for their history or association declared as such by the NHCP.
Historic site refers to a place recognized to have an important historical significance as declared by the NHCP.

However, a site or structure can still be classified by NHCP despite not falling into any of the five categories. These sites and structures will be labelled as “Classified.”

Step 2: Submission of Requirements

Required documents for the application vary depending on the site/structure.

Declaration and Marking of Heritage Houses

- Letter of intent prepared by the property owner:
  - must disclose the complete ownership of the property; and
  - must be supported by proof (authorization or resolution) that the requesting party is authorized by all the owners to file the request for declaration; and
- Duly accomplished HSSDC Survey Form including all its required attachments.

Declaration and Marking of Historic Sites and Structures

- If initiated by a Government unit or Agency
  - Provincial, city or municipal board resolution in the case of provincial and local governments;
  - Supporting documents; and
  - Written commitment that the government unit or agency will maintain the site/structure and the marker to be installed, if approved by the NHCP Board
- If initiated by a Private Owner
  - a)Request letter;
  - Supporting documents;
  - Written commitment that the owner will maintain the site/structure and the marker to be installed, if approved by the NHCP Board; and
  - Written commitment that if the owner sells the property or site after its entry into the National Registry, the responsibility to maintain, preserve, and protect the historic property shall be transferred to the new owner
- If initiated by a Concerned citizen, historical or heritage society, association, or private establishment
  - Petition;
  - Supporting documents; and
  - Statement on the sustainability and maintenance of the site/structure and the marker to be installed, if approved, and the source of funds

These requirements should all be accompanied by a duly accomplished HSSDC form. Alternatively, you may download the files using the links below:

A cover letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines should be included in the documents to be submitted and should be sent to:

Records Section
National Historical Commission of the Philippines
NHCP Building
T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila, 1000
Tel. no.+632.5335.1200
Telefax. no. +632.8536.3181
records@nhcp.gov.ph
records.nhcp@gmail.com

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Records Section
National Historical Commission of the Philipines
NHCP Building
T.M Kalaw St.., Ermita, Manila, 10000
Telefax. no. +632.8536.31181
records@nhcp.gov.ph
records@nhcp.gmail.com

LISTING A SITE OR A STRUCTURE

Step 1: Meeting the Standards

Step 2: Submission of Requirements

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