Nakakapanghinayang, pero ang Casa Narvas na lamang ang natitirang deklarado ng National Historical Commission of the Philippines na Heritage House sa buong Marinduque. Ito na nga lamang ang natira mula ng magkaroon ng malaking sunog sa Boac noong July 2, 2018.
Subalit ang bahay na ito, Casa Narvas, ay hindi naging bukas sa publiko. Wala ring nakikitang pagsisikap ang lokal na pamahalaan at ang may-ari ng gusali para ito maisakatuparan. Isinasalarawan pa naman ang bayan ng Boac bilang isang 'heritage town'.
Sa ibang bayan makikita mo ang aktibong panangalaga na ginagawa ng kinauukulan sa ganitong mga bagay.
One of the most prominent heritage houses in the town of Boac is Casa Narvas and is located at Gov. D. Reyes Street. The NHI has cited that "the house is distinct for its historical and artistic values and today is an example of architecture from the early years of the twentieth century in Boac, Marinduque".
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| Casa Narvas in Boac, Marinduque. Heritage House. |
So what's the story behind Casa Narvas, the only 'Heritage House', so declared by the National Historical Institute in 2007, that has survived the devastating Boac Fire of July 2, 2018?
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| Volunteer firefighters saving Casa Narvas (in photo), located only a few meters away from the burning Don Piroco Mansion. Photo: Pongkoy Manrique |
It was built in 1920, by Elias Narvas, a local coconut trader in those bygone years, and was called ‘bahay na bato’ also characterized by its massive red hardwood flooring, a balaustre and an azotea of Spanish and Chinese influence. Its design included capiz-shelled sliding windows and stained glass walls.
Narvas’ wife was named Vicenta Miciano Narvas and the house is said to have been built in memory of Bartolome and Hilda Narvas, Elias’ parents.
During those years it became a hub for social and political gatherings being in the town center. Some dignitaries both foreign and local have dropped by this house to attend a ceremony or to be hosted for a while as house guests.
Among these eminent personalities were Leonard Wood who was Governor-General of the Philippines from 1921-1927, former Philippine Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel, Manuel A. Roxas and Elpidio Quirino.
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| Gov.-Gen. Leonard Wood |
An entry in NHI records also stated that Manuel A. Roxas organized the nucleus of his Liberal Party in this house. Roxas was the fifth President of the Philippines who served from 1946 until his death in 1948. Quirino succeeded Roxas when the latter died while in office and was recorded as a house guest.
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| Pres. Elpidio Quirino |
Jose P. Laurel, who became president during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines had been likewise, hosted by Casa Narvas.
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| Pres. Jose P. Laurel |
In its declaration of Casa Narvas as a Heritage House, the NHI had stated that “as the venue of political meets and social balls, it stands as testimony to the cultural and political life of Boac, Marinduque”.
It also cited that “the house is distinct for its historical and artistic values and today is an example of architecture from the early years of the twentieth century in Boac, Marinduque”.
Based on recent information, the original owners Elias and Vicenta Miciano Narvas had a son, Gregorio Narvas, who died at an early age of 27. Gregorio had 3 children: Sonia, Violeta and Gregorio Jr. and are the owners of the house. .
