Taken for granted: Bahay Nakpil-Bautista preserved through passion, not policy

TUCKED IN the heart of Quiapo, Manila, Bahay Nakpil-Bautista lies quiet, yet warmly welcomes curious locals, students, and international tourists alike.  

Behind the nostalgic walls of the 110-year-old house, however, lie cold truths. 

Built in 1914, the house was designed in the rare Vienna Secession architectural style by Arcadio Arellano and once served as the home of historical figures including Gregoria de Jesus and Katipunero Julio Nakpil. Its very structure is rooted in the nation’s rich and revolutionary history.  

The Philippines is home to heritage sites shaped by its diverse history stemming from its indigenous roots, interactions with neighboring cultures, and periods of colonization. Despite this richness however, there are still a number of historical landmarks that struggle, largely due to a lack of consistent government funding. 

“Wala naman silang nabibigay from the government,” Mary Ann Venturina-Bulanadi, an Architecture professor at the University of Santo Tomas and the house’s curator for over a decade, said. 

In the 2023 proposed national budget, the government allocated only P25.16 million to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), a significant decrease from its 2022 budget of P156.28 million, drawing concern from heritage advocates and lawmakers alike.  

Although the amount later increased to P37.57 million in the 2024 proposal, it is still a stark contrast from the 2022 budget and reflects the broader pattern of underinvestment in cultural institutions. 

This lack of government funding directly affects sites like the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, which relies on private donations and volunteer efforts for its survival and sustainability.  

In a country where heritage sites are vulnerable to neglect, commercialization, and erasure, Bahay Nakpil stands out as a labor of love and a symbol of resilience.  

“What we do is ask for sponsors like the Gokongweis, a family foundation. Ang itinutulong lang ng gobyerno is sila ay tax-exempted ‘yung amilyar,” she added. 

Land owners must pay their real property tax, colloquially known as amilyar, to the LGU nearest to the location of their property every first day of January. 

An example of Bahay Nakpil-Bautista's reliance on private donors and volunteers showed when a recent major repair to the house’s roof was only made possible through the help of a private sponsor. 

“Ang bubong kasi importante ‘yan sa heritage house, at kahit anong structure, ‘pag ang bubong mo ay sira it affects everything inside,” Bulanadi said. 

“So, we are lucky that somebody sponsored for the roof.” 

The Gokongwei group was given a plaque of appreciation on April 6 at a special pop-up exhibit, one of the many community-centered initiatives organized by the dedicated individuals behind the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista Foundation.  

“We sustain it not just physically, but also through activities and relationships with the community,” Bulanadi added.  

Every Saturday, the team hosts educational programs for children and opens the house for visitors.  

Temporary exhibits are held in its re-adapted rooms which are living quarters turned into curated spaces. According to Bulanadi, this form of adaptive reuse is vital in balancing heritage preservation and modernization.  

“Kasi siyempre, hindi naman puwedeng gawin lang na bahay, ‘di ba? Magiging stagnant siya,” Bulanadi said. 

This mission is sustained with the help of the Bahay-Nakpil Bautista Foundation and the community group Quiapo ng Puso Ko, both of which work to keep heritage structures in Quiapo alive through advocacy. 

“There are many heritage houses in Quiapo,” the curator said. 

“Hindi ka naman puwedeng mabuhay na ikaw mag-isa lang eh, dapat tulong-tulong,” she added. 

The grander value 

Despite these efforts, a broader issue remains: the conservation of historical landmarks like Bahay Nakpil continuing to fall on private citizens and corporations, while government agencies sit back and continuously offer the bare minimum. 

Programs by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) offer assistance for the house’s activities, but daily operations, from programming to maintenance, are left to foundations and volunteers. 

“Kaya nga sinisingil namin sila ng entrance fee sa museum,” Bulanadi said. 

As Quiapo continues to modernize itself, curators of heritage sites like Bulanadi and her allies continue to fight for the soul of the city. But without urgent and consistent support from the state, even the most historic sites can fall silent. 

For Bulanadi and the foundation however, there is no desire to pursue a bigger title or push for grand government recognition. 

“Hindi kami nag a-ambisyon na magkaroon ng ganyan. Hindi kailangan maging ganyan for you to be able to sustain the heritage sites. Parang na po-politicize kasi,” she said. 

Their focus on preserving the heritage for future generations without seeking major recognition or politicizing the effort has been the guiding principle that has allowed the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista Foundation to continue its work. 

The dedication of the family and volunteers to the cause, free from ambitions of fame or accolades, has kept the house afloat and preserved its rich historical significance. 

“In our hearts, we would like this structure to be seen by the next generation, that’s what matters,” Bulanadi said. -- Marielle Geibrielle Gallardo