Restoration of ‘Balay na Bato’ to boost Antique’s attractions

The restoration of the ‘Balay na Bato’ along Gobierno Street in San Jose de Buenavista is expected to boost the tourism attraction in Antique. (Photo courtesy of Antique PIO)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — The restoration of the historic “Balay na Bato” along Gobierno Street in San Jose de Buenavista will be an added tourism attraction for Antique Province.

Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, in an interview Thursday, said she was elated that a deed of usufruct was finally inked between the provincial government and the Gella-Azurin family as this would pave the way for the restoration of the old stone house.

The Gella-Azurin family was represented by their grandson, Alex Azurin, during the signing of the document on Wednesday at the provincial capitol.

“The Balay na Bato’s restoration into its original look will start before December,” the governor said.

She said that the two-story Spanish house, also known as the Casa Gella-Azurin, sits on a 504-square meters lot used to be owned by prominent Antiqueños from the Gella-Azurin family.

During the Japanese war, it was used as barracks by Japanese soldiers and to torture captured locals.

Cadiao said the Department of Tourism, through the Antique Provincial Tourism Office, will take charge of the implementation of the project with a PHP5-million fund from the National Historical Institute.

“The project is implemented through Senator Loren Legarda who looked for the funding,” she said.

She said the Antiqueña senator had long been prodding for the project because the heritage house is just one of those that had survived the test of time in the province. (Annabel Consuelo Petinglay/PNA)

Popular

Taal Lake site assessment yields sack containing ‘bones’ — DOJ

By Brian Campued The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that authorities retrieved a sack containing burned remains believed to be human bones during the initial...

LTO integrates online driver’s license renewal system in eGovPH app

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has integrated the online driver’s license renewal in the eGovPH app, which ensures a fast and...

5 of 21 Filipinos in Houthi-hit ship in Red Sea rescued — DFA

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency Five of the 21 Filipino seafarers manning the cargo vessel Eternity C, which...

PBBM directs gov’t officials: Focus on work, avoid politicking

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet At the Malacañang press briefing this Wednesday, July 9, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press officer Claire Castro reiterated...