THE National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has recently declared the 408-year-old San Bartolome Parish Church in Malabon City an “Important Cultural Property” (ICP).
In a report by CBCP News, NMP Deputy Director-General Lawyer Ma. Rosenne Flores-Avila and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David led the unveiling of the declaration marker last Thursday in Malabon City.
“Let us be partners in preserving it for future generations. Let us continue to make this hallowed place a vibrant center of conversation and action for our cultural heritage," said Avila.
“We really must take seriously our partnership with the proper government agency for the preservation of our church cultural heritage,” said David.
Under the National Heritage Act of 2009, ICPs are defined as those having “exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance” to the country.
Those declared as ICPs or National Cultural Treasures may, in turn, receive government funding for their protection, conservation and restoration.
David said caring for religious heritage structures, such as the San Bartolome Parish Church, would benefit both the Church and the government.
“Without heritage, the church will be soulless,” said the current Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president.
“Even the whole city of Malabon, what gives it character really is the heritage structures like this church," added David.
During the event, David also announced the Kalookan Diocese's plan to petition the Vatican to designate the centuries-old neoclassical church as a minor basilica.
If approved, the San Bartolome Parish Church will be the first minor basilica of the Diocese since it was established in 2003.
Declared as an independent parish in 1614, San Bartolome Church is located near the Malabon City Hall and stands beside the Catholic school, St James Academy. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)