By: Telly Gonzaga-Ocampo
A RESPECTFUL PROPOSAL FOR THE PRESERVATION OF BACLAYON’S HISTORICAL IDENTITY AND PUBLIC MARKET
By Guest Writer JUN “BORAO” CANETE of Taguihon, Baclayon, Bohol
To the Honorable Local Government Officials of Baclayon, Bohol, and to All Fellow Baclayanons:
With all due respect to our local government officials, fellow residents, and everyone who has shared their thoughts and opinions regarding the proposed privatization and redevelopment of our old public market, I would like to express my personal perspective, not to oppose progress, but to encourage a form of development that honors our history, protects our heritage, and creates opportunities for future generations.
Baclayon is more than a municipality. It is a living testament to our history, culture, and identity as a people.
As one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, Baclayon holds a special place in the history of Bohol. Our historic stone church stands as a proud reminder of our ancestors, their faith, their sacrifices, and the legacy they left behind. The streets, buildings, and familiar places that surround our town center are part of the story that makes Baclayon distinct from other municipalities.
For many of us, our old public market is not simply a place where people buy and sell goods. It is part of our collective memory. It represents the everyday lives of generations of Baclayanons,the farmers, fishermen, vendors, families, and ordinary people who helped shape our community. It is a familiar landmark that connects our past to our present.
For this reason, I respectfully appeal to our local government to carefully reconsider the proposal to privatize the existing public market and replace it with a newly designed commercial structure.
I fully understand the desire to modernize our facilities, attract investors, generate additional income, and strengthen the local economy. These are legitimate goals that deserve serious consideration. However, I believe that modernization does not necessarily mean replacing everything old with something new. Sometimes, the most meaningful form of progress is learning how to preserve what is valuable while finding creative ways to improve it.
Other municipalities in Bohol may choose to develop modern public markets with contemporary architectural designs, and there is nothing wrong with their choices. But Baclayon has a different historical character. What works for other towns may not necessarily be the best approach for ours.
Our greatest advantage may not be our ability to build something new, but our ability to preserve something irreplaceable.
If we replace the old market with a modern commercial development that resembles those found elsewhere, we may gain a new facility, but we also risk losing a part of the character that distinguishes Baclayon. Once a familiar historic landmark is demolished or fundamentally altered, the memories and authenticity associated with it cannot easily be recreated.
Instead of viewing our old public market as an obstacle to progress, perhaps we can view it as an opportunity to develop a distinctive heritage-centered town, one that respects its past while embracing a sustainable future.
AN ALTERNATIVE: DEVELOP THE SEASIDE, PRESERVE THE TOWN CENTER
I respectfully propose that the local government explore the possibility of using the reclaimed seaside area and the developing seawall extension as an additional economic and commercial destination for Baclayon.
This area could potentially accommodate privately operated businesses, restaurants, cafés, local food establishments, souvenir shops, artisan stalls, and other commercial activities that could generate employment, attract visitors, and provide additional revenue for the municipality.
A development inspired by the concept of San Francisco’s Pier 39, adapted appropriately to Baclayon’s coastal environment, local culture, and available resources, could offer an exciting alternative. It could create a welcoming waterfront destination where residents and visitors can enjoy local cuisine, appreciate the sea, support small businesses, and experience the hospitality of our people.
Such a project could be planned through a transparent and well-regulated public-private partnership, subject to environmental, coastal, legal, and financial feasibility assessments. With proper planning, it could become a new source of livelihood and economic activity without requiring us to sacrifice the historic character of our existing town center.
The proposal is not to copy another place entirely, but to draw inspiration from successful waterfront developments and create something distinctly Baclayanon.
Imagine a Baclayon where the historic church and traditional town center remain the heart of our heritage, while the seaside becomes a vibrant center for commerce, recreation, and tourism. These two destinations could complement each other, allowing visitors to appreciate both the historical and contemporary sides of our municipality.
The old market could be studied for sensitive restoration!
Photo: The Baclayon Public Market