THE National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled Wednesday, August 8, a marker at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu to commemorate the 450th year of the presence of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) in the country.

The marker, installed at the Basilica garden, was unveiled by NHCP officials led by chairman Dr. Rene Escalante and officials of the Augustinian Order's Cebu Provincial Priory led by Fr. Andres Rivera.

In his speech before unveiling the marker, Escalante said the occasion aims to recognize the Augustinian Order's various contributions to the country's culture and the arts since their presence was made known in Cebu in 1521.

Escalante said the Augustinian Order has not only contributed to spreading the seeds of Christianity in the country, but also in introducing various art forms and creating historic structures, such as Baroque churches of Iloilo and the Basilica in Cebu, among others.

Escalante added that the marker and other Augustinian-made relics recognized by the NHCP will be recognized during the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the country in 2021.

Rivera, in his speech, welcomed the honor bestowed upon them by the NHCP. (SunStar Cebu)