The National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol (NMPBohol) has unveiled five heritage markers for important cultural properties in Panglao, a town known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
The unveiling ceremony was held on August 29, 2023, in collaboration with the local government of Panglao and the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
The five heritage markers are for the San Agustin Parish Church Complex, the Old Panglao Municipio, the Escuelas de Niños y Niñas, the Archway, and the Mortuary Chapel of the 19th century cemetery. These colonial structures date back to the Spanish period and reflect the rich cultural and religious heritage of Panglao and Bohol.
The San Agustin Parish Church Complex is one of the oldest churches in Bohol and features a Baroque-style architecture with coral stone walls, wooden retablos, and a bell tower.
The Old Panglao Municipio was the former seat of the municipal government and served as a school, a jail, and a hospital during different periods of history.
The Escuelas de Niños y Niñas were two separate buildings that housed the boys’ and girls’ schools during the American occupation. The Archway is a stone gate that marks the entrance to the church complex and bears the inscription “Panglao 1801”.
The Mortuary Chapel is a small octagonal structure that was used for funeral rites and prayers for the dead.
The declaration of these structures as important cultural properties recognizes their exceptional historical and cultural significance for the province and the nation.
It also honors the unwavering faith of all Boholanos and the tremendous efforts of those who dedicated their time and expertise to protect, safeguard, and preserve these cultural treasures.
NMPBohol Director Dr. Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan said that the unveiling ceremony was “especially rewarding to witness the tangible results of all efforts in the past, and to pass on this important task of preserving these cultural treasures to the present and succeeding generations.”
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero, Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy, NMPBohol staff, local officials, parishioners, and other guests. The event also coincided with the feast day of San Agustin, the patron saint of Panglao.
The attendees expressed their gratitude and appreciation to NMPBohol for its initiative and support in promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Panglao.
NMPBohol is one of the regional branches of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), which is mandated to be responsible for the protection, preservation, and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Filipino people.
NMPBohol was established in 2017 and is housed in a restored heritage building that was formerly known as Casa Real or Provincial Capitol Building.
NMPBohol showcases various exhibits and collections that highlight the natural and cultural diversity of Bohol.