The National Museum of the Philippines presented the Certificate of Declaration of the San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi town, Siquijor province, as a National Cultural Treasure Tuesday.

Cecilio Salcedo, director of the National Museum, handed the declaration to Bishop Emeritus Rev. Onesimo Gordoncillo of Capiz province, and parish priest Leonardo Tan during the concelebrated mass.

The restoration of the Retablo Mayor and two pulpits of the church was implemented by the National Museum of the Philippines, with financial assistance from the US Embassy worth $15,000.

Alan Holst, cultural affairs officer of the US Embassy Cultural Affairs Office, expressed gratitude to the Siquijor Heritage Foundation Incorporated and to Tan for the successfully restoration of the historic church.

Salcedo emphasized the importance of preservation, protection and conservation of the antique structures and designs of the church, especially as it has been declared a national treasure. He said parishioners should always be reminded to preserve the value of the church.

He added that any improper restoration of the structure will alter its historical value of being among the old churches in the country built during the 19th century.

The Church, built by the Augustinian Recollects, has one of the best well-preserved complexes that was grandly conceived and occupies two blocks in the Island province of Siquijor.

The magnificent wooden floor work of the church is among the best in the Philippines, while the convent across it is, so far, the largest in the Visayas.*MA

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