THE National Shrine of St. Joseph is officially on the path to becoming a basilica. On March 19, 2026, church leaders shared a P100 million development plan with the community, asking for support to turn this big vision into a reality.
The project isn't just about a new look—it’s about meeting the strict requirements set by Rome to earn the title of "Minor Basilica." Fr. Ian Fel Balankig, one of the shrine’s priests, explained that they want the community to feel like they own this project.
“God willing, we can carry out the construction simultaneously if there is commitment,” Fr. Balankig said. He encouraged families to help by funding specific parts of the project or giving donations to keep the work on schedule.
Architect Roy John de Guzman and his team have created a plan that honors the church's history while adding modern comforts. While the designs aren't final yet, the main goals include:
Classic Style: The outside will be updated to match the "Neoclassical" look of the early 1900s, while keeping the beautiful interior the same.
Better Flow: New entrances will be built to help the many pilgrims move through the church more easily.
More Space: The plan includes larger parking areas for buses and better spots for lighting candles.
To make the shrine a world-class destination, several new facilities are being planned:
The St. Joseph Museum: This is envisioned to be the largest museum in the country dedicated to St. Joseph.
Pilgrim Comforts: New restrooms, a security area, a gift shop, and even a coffee shop run with help from local businesses.
Spiritual Spaces: Improved areas for reflection and prayer across the church grounds.
The church hopes to submit its official application to Rome by 2029. Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy wants to finish the entire process in less than six years.
To reach this goal, the team is looking at the Diocesan Shrine of St. Paul of the Cross as a model. That church became a basilica only five years after its construction was finished because it had such great facilities.
Becoming a basilica is a high honor that recognizes a church's special historical and spiritual importance. Beyond the religious significance, church officials noted that this status would boost local tourism and bring economic benefits to the entire area./ ABC