By Gabriela Baron
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said Monday, May 22, that the Manila Central Post Office fire damage is pegged at P300 million.
“According po kay chief superintendent ng [Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region] [Nahum] Tarroza, napakalaking damage po talaga o major damage o total damage po ang nangyari sa Manila Central Post Office,” Lacuna said in a press briefing.
“Talaga pong nakakalungkot at ang initial estimate po nila ng fire damage ay umaabot na po sa P300 million,” she added.
Citing the BFP, Lacuna said the fire started at the General Services Office located at the basement of the post office.
“Ito po ay isang confined space kung kaya’t napakainit po talaga sa loob,” she continued.
Meanwhile, Lacuna also allayed some public’s fears that another establishment will be built in the place where the Manila Central Post Office stands.
“Sa mga nag-aagam-agam na baka sakali ay may ibang gustong ipatayo sa lugar kung nasaan ang Manila Central Post Office, wag ho kayong mag-alala, ang lugar po kung nasaan nakatayo ang Manila Central Post Office, ayon po sa aming zoning ordinance, ay isang institutional zone,” Lacuna continued.
“Maliban pa po roon, ang Manila Central Post Office po ay nadeklara na nung 2018 ng National Museum bilang isang ‘Important Cultural Property’,” she added.
Lacuna assured the local government will cooperate with the national government to restore the post office. – ag