SMX Convention Center • Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines • 23-26 April 2009
In some places, there have been issues and
protests in declaring local historic districts claiming
that it is merely a government scheme to control
private properties. It is not true in the case of Malolos
because private owners of these historical structures
were very positive. Belonging to the elite family since
the 1800s, these people chose to do minimal changes,
if any, to their ancestral houses. Most of these houses
are maintained by caretakers with the owners living in
Manila or have migrated in some other country.
Recommendation No. 1
A physical development plan must be formulated first so as to give
spatial dimension to the final development strategy which will be
protective of the integrity of the cultural resources and enhance the
visual quality of the historic center of Malolos.
In this proposal, guidelines are less stricter than
other historic towns and restrictions in zoning will
only be for new and future constructions within
the historical center. The plan was to enhance the
historical road of Paseo del Congreso whereby street
ornaments and decorations will be utilized. Structures
along the street will be required to provide additional
features such as canopies, grill works, attractive store
fronts, plant boxes, lighting fixtures and allowed size of
signages. They will be given a maximum of two years
to comply.
It was in 1998, during the centennial celebration
of the First Philippine Republic, when Malolos was
truly recognized by every Filipino. Local and foreign
tourist frequented Barasoain Church, with Malolos
being included in the itinerary of heritage tours of the
Department of Tourism. A potential tourist destination,
Malolos offers educational combined with pleasure trip.
The place and the community were not ready
for the sudden influx of tourists. There is no other
destination other than Barasoain Church and Casa
Real Museum. Traffic congestion worsened along
Paseo del Congreso. This calls for an effective physical
plan included in its tourism program.
Advertising and promotional literature can be a
minor ingredient since Malolos is always included in
tour packages. What is needed is to offer something
visitors can repeatedly come back for. It must be able
to feature its local culture including handicrafts, art,
music, traditions, etc.
All guidelines and programs must be supported
by adequate services, safety and security within the
area.
CONCLUSION
In a message wrote by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo for
the Bulakan brochure for the Philippine International
Affair in 1953, he said that the mere mention of the
word “Bulakan” and “Malolos” reminded him of the
historical struggle for the attainment of the Philippine
Independence and the proclamation of the First
Philippine Republic in 1899. Malolos can be found in
all historical articles and books about the Philippines.
It has played an impor tant role in the cutting of
chains of our colonial bondage towards freedom and
democracy. For in a sense, Malolos does not belong
to Filipinos alone, but to the whole world. 5
84
Wh i l e othe r p l aces a re appea l i ng to be
co n s i d e red a s h e r ita g e s ites, l i ke Q u i a po a n d
Baguio City, Malolos must be able to make use of its
attributes advantageously. For some, having Malolos
as historical center is more of a liability than an asset.
What is needed is a strong cultural advocacy through
the combining efforts of the different cultural groups in
the locality. It is important for them to find avenues on
how to promote understanding and appreciation of
the city’s rich cultural heritage and that its protection
preserves the identity of Malolos.
What is important is for the Filipino people to
continue to appreciate Malolos as a historically
diverse place to work, live and visit. It has its “soul”
to offer, the special, unique historical character and
identity makes it distinctive from any other heritage
district.
The sense of identity of a place provides the
identity of its people, and in this case, it is not only
of the Maloleños’ but of the Filipinos as well. For us
to have a place with its “spirits” alive can make us
indispensable from the ill effects of modernization.
This study, which has the primary goal of maintaining