Pasuquin watch tower restoration draws flak

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte—A little known historical marker located at Brgy. Puyupuyan in this town has become viral in social media after a photo was posted online of its new look.

Some old Pasuquin residents claimed that after the rehabilitation works, they could hardly recognize the old watchtower built during Spanish colonial period due to its “modernized look”.

“Restoration is very different from renovation. The historic value of the place has been lost. I hope this will not happen with the on-going restoration of our town’s bell tower,” said Edison Agcaoili, a concerned citizen from neighboring Bacarra town.

Earlier, the local government unit of Pasuquin has called for the rehabilitation of the Puyupuyan watchtower, formerly used as outpost for sentinels tasked to warn residents of pirate attacks.

In 2015, the structure was declared a “National Cultural Treasure” by the National Museum. The same government agency also funded its restoration this year.

However, even the National Museum admitted the restoration works could have been made better.

“We are as dismayed as many here, and I can share that the contractor proceeded rapidly in some key aspects without the National Museum’s approval, particularly the overly-heavy and clumsy application of lime plaster and the installation of the metal grill gate—these would not have been approved by us,” said Jeremy Barns, a spokesperson of the National Museum, who apologized for what happened.

Mr. Barns assured the public the National Museum will do something to rectify the error as he noted, “Don’t be particularly alarmed, because all work that has been undertaken, is thankfully reversible.”

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