The National Commission for the Culture and the Arts declared the parish church of Saint Agustine de Hippo of Bacong in Negros Oriental, as the 33rd national cultural treasure of the country this year.

The certificate of declaration signed by director Corazon Alvina  of the National Museum was formally awarded by Fr. Harold Rentoria of the NCCA, at the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated pipe organ ofBacong church recently.

Also present were Auxilliary Bishop of the Diocese of Cebu Most Rev. Julito Cortes, Bishop John Du of the Diocese of Dumaguete, Rep. Henry Pryde Teves (Neg.Or., 3rd District), Board Member Erwin Michael Macias, Mayor Lenin Alviola and other local officials, Negros Oriental State University president Dr. Henry Sojor, and parish priest Fr. Alfredo Duran.
The pipe organ of Bacong has been silent for 39 years after some of its parts were destroyed and stolen.  It is one the oldest church organs in the country, based on NCCA records.

Cortes lauded the parishioners for not losing hope in restoring one of the priceless church treasures. Du thanked the local government unit, parishioners and the donors for the rehabilitation of the pipe organ.

After the thanksgiving mass, Du and Cortes unveiled the church marker evidencing the existence of the pipe organ.

Rentoria said they have proposed to further rehabilitate some parts of the church, particularly its ceiling, altar and sacristy. The NCCA will allocate funds for the rehabilitation, but it needs a counterpart funding from the LGU.

He encouraged local officials to conduct cultural mapping to identify the oldest house, historic place, artist, delicacies and song in Bacong.

Teves said the restoration of the church organ marks an important event in the minds and hearts of the people in Bacong and Negros Oriental.*MA

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