The Pangasinan Provincial Capitol, one of the eight Architectural Treasures of the Philippines by the Filipino Heritage Festival of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, is immortalized in the recent launch of the centennial commemorative stamp by the Philippine Postal Corp. (PhilPost) and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.
In a tribute activity dubbed “Talintao” held in Lingayen, the Capitol was feted by the PhilPost as the seat of the provincial government which stands as an icon of commitment to the preservation of Pangasinan’s built heritage.
It was also cited as reflecting the aspirations and ambitions of every Pangasinanense which keeps the edifice strong and sturdy, more than its grandeur and beauty.
The neoclassical building was completed in December 1918 and was inaugurated on Feb. 11, 1919 with the holding of a nine-day provincial fair and exposition.
Its design was influenced by the masterplan of renowned American architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham and implemented by Arch. William Parson under the supervision of Arch. Ralph Harrington Doane during the term of governor Daniel Maramba.
The building was partially damaged during World War II but was rebuilt in 1946 and restored to its prewar grandeur through the Philippine Rehabilitation Act passed by the United States Congress. It underwent a major facelift and rehabilitation works from August 2007 to December 2008 under former governor Amado Espino Jr.
Last November, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the edifice as a cultural treasure of Pangasinan through the passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 27-2018 in recognition of its significance as an icon of the province. The ordinance declared the Capitol as a heritage structure and allocated funds for its preservation.