The iconic Manila Central Post Office (MCPO), which was severely damaged by a fire in May 2023, will undergo a major restoration and transformation, Postmaster General Luis Carlos said.
The landmark building will be restored to its original design and repurposed to serve as a center for arts, culture, and tourism, offering a new, vibrant space for locals and visitors alike.
In an interview during the 257th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost), Carlos emphasized the importance of restoring the building’s historic architecture.
“We will restore it to its iconic image,” he said, referring to the building’s neoclassical design, which has stood as a symbol of Manila’s cultural and architectural heritage since its completion in 1928. The renovation plans include returning the structure to its original form while integrating new uses that will make it a public attraction.
“We will not move anything; we will fix it all, and it will be a tourism circuit already. It will be for arts and culture and for tourism. It will be open to the public,” Carlos added.
The Manila Central Post Office is located at the Liwasang Bonifacio (Bonifacio Plaza) along the banks of the Pasig River in the heart of Manila. As a historic landmark, the building is a prominent example of neoclassical architecture and a key feature of the city’s skyline. Designed by Filipino architect Juan Arellano and completed in 1928, the post office has long been an important hub for communication and government services in the country.
Over the years, the building has become not only a center of postal operations but also an integral part of Manila’s architectural and cultural landscape. The MCPO’s restoration marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve and revitalize the city’s heritage structures, which are vital to understanding the history and identity of the Philippine capital.
Following the devastating fire that caused extensive damage to the structure, PHLPost operations were temporarily relocated to the Foreign Surface Mail Distribution Center (FSMDC) building, with the executive offices moved to a nearby building beside the MCPO and the canteen area. Despite the challenges posed by the fire, PHLPost has continued to function, with its commitment to restoring the MCPO and reviving its legacy unchanged.
The restoration project will be a collaborative effort, with PHLPost working closely with the Inter-Agency Task Force for MCPO Rehabilitation, a team composed of the Department of Tourism, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the City of Manila, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the National Archives of the Philippines.
Carlos said that only a small section of the original building, including the post office’s executive offices, will be retained for operational purposes. The majority of the building, however, will be repurposed for tourism and cultural activities. “The rest of the area will be used as a tourism hub,” he said, signaling an exciting new future for the space.
The restoration and repurposing of the MCPO align with the government’s broader goals of preserving the country’s cultural heritage while enhancing its tourism infrastructure. In addition to being a historical landmark, the MCPO will host various art exhibitions, cultural performances, and other community-centered events. The planned transformation is expected to become a key attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
The restoration project is estimated to cost around P1.5 billion, with the goal of completing the work by 2026, coinciding with the building’s 100th anniversary. According to Carlos, the area spans about 30,000 square meters, and based on current market values, the cost of restoration is expected to fall between P1 billion to P1.5 billion.
“With the market value at around P50,000 per square meter, the overall cost will be substantial, but we are committed to seeing this project through,” Carlos explained. He expressed hope that the restoration could be completed by November 2026, marking a century of the MCPO’s enduring presence in Manila.
The facade of the Manila Central Post Office building. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
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