National Cultural Treasures

The Philippines is home to hundreds of centuries-old Spanish colonial churches. Built at the height of Spanish influence in the archipelago, these churches are a fusion of European and Asian architectural motifs. Today, the Philippines’ colonial churches still stand out from the country’s modern cityscapes and continue to play a key role in the spiritual development of the country’s 58 million Catholics.Although these churches have remained largely intact for centuries, the ravages of pollution and urban development have taken their toll on these edifices.

It is for this reason that the Philippine government, through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), has begun restoration work on 36 churches that have been identified as National Cultural Treasures for their cultural significance and distinctive architecture. These are aside from the four Baroque-style churches which are recognized as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).The NCCA is the country’s premiere culture and arts organization tasked with preserving and protecting the Philippines’ cultural heritage. Exhaustive research and documentation have been undertaken in conjunction with exhibits and public awareness campaigns in an effort to preserve the country’s unique and irreplaceable ecclesiastical monuments. (sourced from http://www.ncca.gov.ph)

National Cultural Treasures of Luzon

Intramuros, Manila – San Agustin Church

Quiapo, Manila – Minor Basilica of San Sebastian

Santa Ana, Manila – Our Lady of the Abandoned Church

Romblon, Romblon – Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Maragondon, Cavite – Church of the Assumption of Our Lady

Tayum, Abra – Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church

Luna, La Union – Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church

Majayjay, Laguna – Saint Gregory the Great Church

Tanay, Rizal – Saint Ildefonsus Church

Guagua, Pampanga – Saint James the Great Church

Minalin, Pampanga – Santa Monica Church

Daraga, Albay – Our Lady of the Gate Church

Tabaco City, Albay – Saint John the Baptist Church

Tumauini, Isabela – Saint Mathias Church

Malaueg, Cagayan – Church of Saint Raymond of Penafort

Calasiao, Pangasinan – Saint Peter and Paul Church

Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya – Saint Vincent Ferrer Church

Magsingal, Ilocos Sur – Saint William of Aquitania Church

Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur – La Asuncion de la Nuestra Senora

Bacarra, Ilocos Norte – Saint Andrew the Apostle Church

Paoay, Ilocos Norte – San Agustin Church

Masinloc, Zambales – Church of San Andres

Mahatao, Batanes – San Carlos Borromeo Church

Balayan, Batangas – Church of the Immaculate Conception

Tayabas, Quezon – Basilica Minore of Saint Michael Archangel

National Cultural Treasures of the Visayas

Boljoon,Cebu – Nuestra Senora Patrocinio de Maria Church

Bacong,Negros Oriental – Church of Saint Augustine of Hippo

Lazi, Siquijor – Church of Saint Isidore the Farmer

Panay, Capiz – Church of Saint Monica

Baclayon, Bohol – La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Church

Dauis, Bohol – Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church

Loboc, Bohol – Church of Saint Peter the Apostle

Loon, Bohol – Nuestra Senora de la Luz

Maribojoc, Bohol – Santa Cruz Church (Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer)

Miag-Ao, Iloilo – Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church

San Joaquin, Iloilo – Church of San Joaquin

Guiuan, Eastern Samar – Church of the Immaculate Conception

National Cultural Treasures of Mindanao

Jimenez, Misamis Occidental – Church of Saint John the Baptist

Jasaan, Misamis Oriental – Church of the Immaculate Conception