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via Philippine Inquirer, 13 September 2021: The construction of a nearby bridge (see here and here) has the potential to adversely affect the Outstanding Universal Values of the San Agustin Church, one of the properties listed in the Baroque Churches of the Philippines Unesco World Heritage Site.
In the decision obtained by Lifestyle, WHC notes that “significant potential indirect and long-term impacts have been identified as resulting from the two phases of the project: the construction of the bridge and its eventual visual presence and operation.”
WHC also pointed out that upon completion of the bridge, which is targeted for later this year, Intramuros could be impacted by more ground vibration due to passing vehicles, air and noise pollution, and traffic issues which could compromise San Agustin Church.
The decision also notes that “although BIB would be more than 500 m away from San Agustin Church, it would have a direct visual impact on the overall setting and sense of place of the property, including the colonial city’s fortified wall, as well as the Maestranza strip and Plaza México, the visual corridor of Pasig River and the underlying remains of Baluarte de Santo Domingo, which will be directly and physically impacted by the Intramuros portion of the bridge.
“In light of the HIA’s conclusions regarding the negative impacts on attributes of OUV, including vistas, view sheds and the setting of the property, which could only be partially mitigated by implementing costly mitigation measures, it is recommended that the committee request the State Party to reconsider the design of the bridge, its location and the possibility of a ‘no-project option,’ and notably consider converting the surrounding streets and roads of San Agustin Church into pedestrian areas, conducting structural assessment of the church and adapting the design of the bridge approach to the character of Intramuros,” added WHC in the decision.
Read more: https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/388264/unesco-lauds-ph-on-baroque-churches-but/#ixzz76s9TKZVc
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Source: Unesco lauds PH on Baroque churches but . . . | Inquirer Lifestyle
