The NCCA’s purchase of the MET stems from its mandate under Republic Act No. 7356, or the NCCA Law, and Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act., both of which mandate the NCCA to formulate and implement policies and plans to conserve and promote the nation’s cultural and historical heritage by supporting and promoting the establishment and preservation of cultural and historical monuments, markers, names, and sites.  Through the years and pursuant to this specific mandate, NCCA programs and projects related to heritage conservation have been funded by NEFCA.

The purchase of the Met is an important initial step. The NCCA Board of Commissioners emphasizes that there is a need to revive a great architectural landmark of the artistic and cultural creativity of the Filipino people.  “This will indeed be an iconic building of Filipino heritage that affirms the NCCA’s vision of the Filipino culture as the wellspring of global and national well-being.”

The NCCA envisions a restored Met to become a center for arts and culture, with additional exhibition galleries and its theater and performance halls for use by artists and cultural workers as well as by students and the general public. The Commission also expects the Met to provide additional space for its various needs in the implementation of the National Cultural Heritage Act.

http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/press-releases/press-release.php?i=206