MANILA — The Baclaran Church has been officially recognized as a significant cultural property by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), cementing its status as one of the country’s valuable cultural treasures.
In a ceremony held in Parañaque City, the marker designating the church as an “important cultural property” (ICP) was unveiled. Dr. Mary Jane Louise Bolunia, an archaeologist from the NMP, emphasized that the church’s historical evolution and development have made it an integral part of Filipino culture.
She expressed hope that the marker would serve as a reminder to cherish the faith and the place where it originated.
The event coincided with the feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and the 75th anniversary of the Perpetual Help Novena in Baclaran Church. Fr. Rogerio Gomes, the superior general of the Redemptorists, described the designation of the Baclaran Church as an ICP not only as a recognition of its physical heritage but also its spiritual significance. ICPs are considered cultural properties of exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical value and may receive government subsidies for preservation and conservation efforts.
This designation places the Baclaran Church under the second level of protection, following the classification of National Cultural Treasures.
The ceremony was attended by various religious figures, including Fr. Rico John Bilangel, the rector of Baclaran Church, and Fr. Raymond Urriza, the superior of the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila.
(ai/mtvn)
