Romblon cathedral, ancient Hispanic forts declared National Cultural Treasures

TAMAWAN artist grades mosaic entry in the art competition held at Fort San Andres.

EVEN LOCAL government units must acknowledge the necessity of having scholars in the conservation and rehabilitation of our cultural heritage, said Commissioner Regalado Trota José of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), during the recent declaration of Casa del San Fernando, a colonial-era house on Sibuyan, Romblon, as an Important Cultural Property.

“The NCCA, whose seat is in Manila, can only help as much. Localities must have their own group of researchers and specialists,” José said.

Santo Domingo Church, La Naval de Manila shrine to be declared National Cultural Treasures

Sto. Domingo Church.
Photo by Lester Babiera

The Philippine government, through the National Museum, will declare this week the Santo Domingo Church, with its Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary-La Naval de Manila, in Quezon City as a National Cultural Treasure.

The declaration, according to the National Museum, recognizes Santo Domingo-La Naval both as an institution and a structure, as well as a repository of modern art.

The declaration will be formally announced on Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. during the traditional enthronement of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila, to be led by shrine rector Fr. Giuseppe Arciwals, OP. To formally accept the declaration is Fr. Gert Timoner, OP, the prior provincial of the Philippine Dominican Province.

October is the Rosary Month on the Catholic calendar. It is devoted to the Blessed Mother under the title Our Lady of the Rosary in reference to the Rosary devotion promoted by the Dominicans, one of the most influential religious orders in the history of the Church.