6 Buildings in FEU Are Now National Cultural Treasures

Far Eastern University (FEU) is one of the top universities in the Philippines. Known for its business and accounting programs, the institution has produced numerous graduates that have contributed greatly in the society. Its main campus in Sampaloc, Manila has been a landmark within the university belt. Recently, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) declared six of the university’s buildings as National Cultural Treasures through Museum Declaration-1-2018.

In an intimate celebration, FEU also unveiled the special marker awarded to the university as a symbol of its historic and cultural significance by the National Museum of the Philippines. Key people graced the ceremony, including FEU President Juan Miguel Montinola, FEU Chair Emeritus Dr. Lourdes Reyes Montinola, National Museum Deputy Director-General for Museums Jorell Legaspi, and National Museum Chief Administrative Officer of the Research, Collection, and Conservation Management Division Anne Rosette Crelencia.

The marker serves as a recognition of heritage buildings in the campus, namely: Nicanor Reyes Sr. Hall; Administration Building; Admissions Building, formerly the Engineering Building or the East Asia Building; Architecture and Fine Arts Building, formerly the Law Building; Science Building; and the FEU Chapel.

FEU President Montinola shares “The FEU community is privileged to know that our university is the home of many national cultural treasures through its facilities and artworks. Moreover, these treasures are not in confined spaces. They are enjoyed daily by our students, who will carry with them the memory of our rich cultural heritage.” 

“FEU, from its inception, has stood as a symbol of dedication to the harmonious blend of history and modernity. The National Cultural Treasure marker serves as a reminder of our collective duty to safeguard this heritage, which is not only a relic of the past but a bridge to a bright future,” Legaspi said, on behalf of the National Museum.

The university also unveiled a memorial plaque for the late Architect Pablo Antonio Jr., son of National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio Sr. who designed most of the university’s esteemed Art Deco structures.

According to FEU’s website, the university’s cultural heritage conservation efforts were recognized in 2005. The university received the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Asia-Pacific Honorable Mention Heritage Award, recognizing five of its buildings as heritage structures.

Several paintings and sculptures that depict important aspects of Philippine history and culture can also be found within the university. In one of the newest heritage buildings, the FEU Chapel, for instance, features two life-size mural paintings:  “The Stations of Cross” and “The Crucified Christ” by National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos “Botong” Francisco.

Meanwhile, sculptures of the different historical eras of the Philippines by Italian artist Francesco Ricardo Monti are also on display at the Administration Building where the new marker is installed.

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Photos Courtesy of FEU Media Center