National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Director-General Jeremy Barns brought good news to Governor Gwen Garcia during their meeting on February 26 at the Capitol.
He informed the Governor that NMP nominated the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish in the Municipality of Boljoon as part of the Philippines’ bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
“Boljoon Church is a nominee, along with 11 other churches. But Boljoon is the most-ready, if you ask me. So let’s not wait for the 11 others. We can immediately launch the campaign for Boljoon Church,” Barns told Gov. Gwen.
Elated, the Governor said she will create a taskforce, to be chaired by herself, in order to focus on complying with every requirement to be set by UNESCO for Boljoon Church’s inclusion into the prestigious list.
The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria holds a remarkable historical significance in Cebu. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Built in 1783, it is one of the oldest surviving stone churches in the Philippines and houses the 425-year-old image of the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria, which was granted canonical crown by Pope Francis in 2022.
World Heritage Sites are globally recognized landmarks and areas that hold cultural, historical, or scientific significance. These sites are legally protected under an international treaty administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
They are considered to possess outstanding value to humanity, and their preservation is deemed essential for future generations. | JMT