One of the few remaining heritage houses in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, owned by Zavalla-Rivera family since the 19th century, is being destroyed sans the approval of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to give way for a McDonald’s franchise owned by actor Alden Richards.
Netizens and lovers of history and culture took to social media on July 29 to denounce what they decry as an assault to culture and heritage to pave the way for a business project of the actor, apparently even with the go-signal from NHCP.
Many are questioning if the NHCP, which oversees the protection of centuries-old heritage houses, gave its approval for knocking down the structure, reported business blog site Bilyonaryo.
The master franchise of McDonald’s Philippines is held by the Golden Arches Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the Alliance Global Group led by bilyonaryo Andrew Tan.
Richards, a native of Santa Rosa City, is part of the fast-food giant’s roster of brand ambassadors.
A Kristoffer Passion (@indiohistorian) posted: “Napakatindi ng pagiging panatiko ng ibang tagahanga ni Alden. Ito lang naman. Ang paggiba ng heritage structure (private-owned man o public) na walang abiso mula sa National Historical Commission of the Philippines ay lantarang paglalabag sa batas (Art III, Sec. 5, RA 10066).”
In retort, a CHAKAPUSOPH said: “LOOK: Alden Richarda, ipinagiba raw ang isang ancestral house para tayuan ng McDo. Ang Zavalla-Rivera ancestral house ay isa sa oldest ancestral house sa Laguna na itinayo noong 19th century. Wala din diumanong permiso ang pagpapagiba dito mula sa NHCP.”
Other comments from one Tita KH said “Ang onti ng nga lang ng heritage sites natin, ginigiba pa yung iba.”
And one Kio said: “grabe jsan pa naman kami nagshoshoot ng projects lalo na pag historical yung theme huhi n.”
Two obviously supporters of Richards replied: From johnlee (with 2,701 followers) said: “sus bago kayo kumudasu at haatulan agad c @aldenrichards02 regarding jan sa issue na yan hintayin po muna yung tao n magsalita ng kaniyang side. huwag po muna tayo nagjudge baka po tayo mapahiya.” and a Gemmskie said “bakit di kayo galit sa may-ari ng bahay na nagbenta.”
A post on Facebook said that the Zavalla ancestral house or known as Andres B. Zavalla house, situated in Barangay Kanluran, near the Sta. Rosa de Lima Parish Church, has been home of Andres Baromma, a former gobernadorcillo.
This heritage house was built during the Spanish period in 1888. It was originally used as a "camarin" or warehouse for unmilled rice (or palay).
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #NHCP #StaRosaCity