A devastating fire erupted on May 22, 2023, engulfing the iconic Manila Central Post Office in flames and causing extensive destruction.

The fire, which started late in the evening, rapidly spread throughout the building, wreaking havoc that took more than seven hours to bring under control. The interior of the post office was heavily damaged, and the exterior suffered significant harm.

For nearly a century, the Manila Central Post Office, also known as the Post Office Building, has stood as a prominent symbol in the city.

Its construction dates back to 1926 and was designed by a team of architects, including Ralph Doane and Tomas Mapua from the United States and Juan Marcos de Guzman Arellano from the Philippines.

This architectural masterpiece showcases the elegance of neoclassical design, featuring a majestic facade adorned with columns, sculptures, and a grand central dome.

Throughout its history, the Manila Central Post Office has been a bustling hub of activity, serving as the primary center for postal services in Manila.

It played a vital role in facilitating the sending and receiving of mail, connecting countless individuals and communities.

Despite enduring significant damage during World War II, the post office was reconstructed in 1946 and continued to serve as the headquarters for the Philippine Postal Corporation.

In recognition of its cultural and historical importance, the National Museum bestowed the title of "Important Cultural Property" upon the Post Office Building in 2018.

Unfortunately, a devastating fire erupted within the Manila Central Post Office. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are underway to determine its origin. The fire alarm was raised to the highest level, a General Alarm.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the fire caused approximately P300 million worth of damages. Valuable items such as letters, parcels, stamps, computers, and important documents were destroyed in the fire, compounding the loss.

Authorities are launching an investigation to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the incident.

BASAHIN: Narito ang ilan sa mga impormasyon ukol Manila Post Central Office, na isang historical site na nasunog kaninang umaga. | DZRH News pic.twitter.com/gRZfQ9q8yo

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 22, 2023