An ordinance authorizing the provincial council on history and cultural heritage to install markers on statues, landmarks, and historic sites in the province of Antique received a favorable response from stakeholders during a committee hearing on Tuesday.

“We were able to generate the support of the municipal tourism and cultural affairs officers and stakeholders during the hearing,” Board Member Egidio Elio, chairperson of the committee on history and cultural heritage of the Provincial Board and author of the ordinance, said in an interview.

The Provincial Board approved the ordinance on the first reading, and Elio expressed hope it would get the support of his colleagues on the second reading during their regular session on July 8.

He said the hearing is necessary because of the penalty clause mandating a PHP5,000 fine and/or six-month imprisonment, at the discretion of the court, for any person, group, or corporation that would remove, damage, destroy, or deface any installed historical marker.

“As of now, there are already 18 statues, landmarks, and historic sites in the province of Antique that had an ordinance for its preservation and protection where the markers will be installed,” he said.

Among those declared as historical and cultural heritage are the bell tower of Bugasong, the Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio monuments in Sibalom, and the Lady of Justice statue at the Hall of Justice in San Jose de Buenavista.

These structures are century-old, with some more than 50 years old, serving as a vital part of the history and culture of the municipalities where they are situated. (PNA)