CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando on Thursday, May 18, got a heritage marker from the City Government here to recognize its historical significance.

Situated at the heart of the city, Metropolitan Cathedral was founded in 1754 by the Augustinians. On May 5, 1899 the stone church was burned by the Philippine Revolutionary Army on orders of Gen. Antonio Luna. Because of that untoward incident, the historical church was restored through the initiatives of Fernando Hizon Ocampo, a Kapampangan architect.

On October 1, 1981 it was formally established as Metropolitan Cathedral under the Titular ship of St. Ferdinand and Patronage of Our Lady of the Assumption. By then, Metropolitan Cathedral started to develop and strengthen the spiritual values of the Fernandinos.

During the program, Metropolitan Cathedral Rector Msgr. Eugenio Reyes expressed his gratitude to the Local Government of San Fernando for recognizing and including the Metropolitan Cathedral in the city’s Local Registry of Cultural Properties.

“This is a big honor for us that the Metropolitan Cathedral has been recognized for its heritage and historical significance. The church plays a big role not only in tourism but in the lives of the faithful, recognized,” Reyes said.

Mayor Edwin Santiago stressed the importance of preserving the heritage sites. He believes that, every heritage place in the City of San Fernando played a vital role in the lives of the Fernandinos, therefore it is a must to preserve its architectural beauty.

“In preserving our heritage places, we also preserve our identity. It is very important to protect it because this will be transmitted to the next generation,” he said.

Together with the mayor in the unveiling ceremony which is part of the celebration of Pyestang Fernandino were Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, city councilors BJ Lagman and Harvey Quiwa and Pyestang Fernandino 2018 chairperson Robbie Hizon led the unveiling ceremony.