The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed the importance of preserving Church heritage and properties which enriches Filipino cultural history.
This is in lieu of the declaration of the National Museum of the Philippines of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish in Calape, Bohol and later on the 9th National Cultural Treasure namely, Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish in Baliihan, Bohol which was declared as a ‘National Cultural Treasure’.
According to Veritas News, Fr. Milan Ted Torralba, who is the current Executive Secretary of CBCP Commission on Cultural Heritage of the Church, mentioned that the declaration of Cultural Heritages and Cultural Property served as a reminder to preserve and maintain the remnants of our history, especially in the Spanish era.
“Ang personal motivation ko nitong mga declarations [National Cultural Treasure/Important Cultural Property] sa mga gusali na itinayo noong Spanish colonial period dito sa ating bansa para ipaalala sa bawat Pilipino na ang simbahan ang nangunguna sa pagpapahalaga at hindi malilimutan ng tao at kaparian ang mga pamanang patuloy pinakikinabangan,” he said.
Fr. Torralba stressed that aside from the Churches within Bohol, the historical landmarks such as the old bridges and watchtowers are being recognized as Cultural Heritage.
“Bukod sa mga lumang simbahan, kinikilala at, pinahahalagahan din natin ang mga lumang tulay at watchtowers,” he added.
Last April 22, in the Archdiocese of Manila, a designation ceremony was held for the Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church or Malate Church as it was recognized for being an ‘Important Cultural Property’ by the National Museum of the Philippines. (Hazel Boquiren/RCAM-AOC)
