ILOILO — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has formally sought the intervention of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) following reports of falling debris from the façade and belfry of the ancient San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Cabatuan, raising safety concerns as the Simbang Gabi season approaches.
In a letter dated December 9, NCCA deputy executive director Bernan Joseph Corpuz wrote NHCP chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. to convey concerns over the spalling of masonry from the church’s exterior, noting the need for guidance and appropriate action from the agency with jurisdiction and expertise over historic structures.
The request followed information relayed by Jose Nereo Lujan, chief of the Iloilo Provincial Government’s Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO) and a resident of Cabatuan, who sought advice on how best to address the situation at the centuries-old church.
“The subject cultural property is neither the work of a National Artist nor has it been previously declared as a National Cultural Treasure or Important Cultural Property. Furthermore, since it is a Spanish-colonial period church, the property is over 50 years old, we deemed it necessary to refer the matter to your office, considering your expertise and jurisdiction over such matters. We shall appreciate your direct correspondence to Mr. Lujan over this matter moving forward,” Corpuz said in his letter.
According to Lujan, the municipal government has installed protective netting along the church façade after several incidents of falling debris, a move confirmed by Mayor Elizalde Pueyo as a precautionary measure to protect parishioners and the public.
Mayor Pueyo said the most recent spalling incident occurred in late November, prompting the local government unit (LGU) to act swiftly, especially with increased church attendance expected during Misa de Gallo.
Spalling on the church façade has been observed since November 24, initially prompting the temporary closure of the road in front of the church. On November 28, even larger fragments reportedly detached from the structure.
Built in 1866 and dedicated to San Nicolas de Tolentino, the Cabatuan church is believed to have sustained damage possibly triggered by a series of earthquakes in recent months, which authorities say may have loosened sections of its masonry. Widening cracks on the right belfry tower are also suspected to be earthquake-related./PN
