The Basilica Minore De San Sebastian or The the Minor Basilica of Saint Sebastian in Manila is one of the many old churches in Manila. The church is remarkable because it is the only church in the Philippines made entirely of Steel and Glass with only the foundation being made of concrete. The church was completed in 1891 it was part of the Gothic Revival movement in architecture which aimed to revive Gothic Architecture in churches around the world. In 2006 it was included in the tentative list of heritage sites in Asia. In 2011 it was named a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.
The problem facing the Church today is the plan to build a large Condominium behind the Church which will destroy its Heritage value and will destroy the view of the church. Despite Mayor Isko Moreno seeking the support of the NHCP and NCCA to rehabilitate and preserve heritage structures in Manila he has failed to stop the foundations of the High Rise condominium being laid. This situation is similar to the situation of Rizal Park or Bagumbayan with the massive “torre de manila” being built ruining the view, it was known as the “National photobomber”. Many heritage groups on Facebook have voiced their concerns to some effect. The legacy of the Church is in danger is anyone going to do anything about it?
Whoever is behind that condominium should be boycotted so the company will know that historical sites must be respected! Save San Sebastian Church at all cost… We’ll pray for that.
Thank you for commenting, You are absolutely right historical sites deserve respect!