Casa Real’s final phase of restoration ends this year
LINGAYEN— The restoration of Casa Real, once the seat of provincial government of Pangasinan during the Spanish era, is expected when the third phase is completed before the year ends.
“We make sure that the Casa Real restoration will not slow down. It’s one of our very important historical edifices within the province,” Second District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil said in an interview.
Bataoil said he was recently assured by the Office of Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority’s (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer, Atty. Guiller Asido, that the documentation for the transfer of funds from the Department of Tourism (DOT) to the provincial government for this project is already being processed.
He expects Gov. Amado Espino III to sign the memorandum of agreement after his visit to Guam to complete the documentation requirement.
The third phase includes the interior finishing, electrical and water conduits.
“Before the end of this year, you will see a building that will house various important artifacts as it is intended to be a museum in coordination with the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission,” Bataoil said.
He said in many countries around the world “give importance to historical buildings like that (Casa Real) because it serves as inspiration to future generations especially so that it reminds us of best practices in good governance and many things that we can think of that made the province what it is today”.
Bataoil said heritage structures in Vigan City in the Ilocos area and other parts of the country are flocked by tourists and foresees the same for Casa Real.
“That is my vision, that is what I foresee (with Casa Real),” he added.
The provincial government of Pangasinan gave P5-million for phase 1 of the restoration project.
Bataoil helped source out funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways that gave P30-million to complete phase 2.
TIEZA has allocated P50-million for the phase 3 which includes site development and curatorial works.
When finally completed, it will be inaugurated as the Pangasinan provincial museum during the 437th Agew na Pangasinan celebration on April 5 next year. (Tita Roces)
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