ILOILO City – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has suspended the renovation of the convent of the century-old Molo Church.
NHCP acting executive director Ludovico Badoy expressed concern that there could be a violation of the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (Republic Act 10066).
He issued a cease and desist order addressed to St. Anne Parish administrator Monsignor Maurillo Silva.
“It has come to our attention that there is an ongoing demolition/renovation of the old Convento de Molo…If the said report is accurate, then then there could be a violation of Article III, Section 5 of Republic Act 10066,” according to Badoy.
Article III, Section 5 protects important cultural properties from exportation, modification or demolition.
Badoy said the Convento de Molo may be considered an important cultural property because it is over 50 years old.
The cease and desist order against the renovation of the convent should take effect upon receipt of it by the parish, he stressed.
The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 defines important cultural property as “cultural property having exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance to the Philippines, as shall be determined by the National Museum and/or National Historical Institute.”
In the Philippine Catholic Church, convents are integral parts of churches. These serve as residences of parish priests and administrative offices of the parish. But while the Molo Church was very old (built in 1831), its convent – constructed like a Spanish-era bahay na bato – was erected much later.
Bahay na bato (literally “house of stone”) is a type of building originating during the Philippines’ Spanish colonial period. It is an updated version of the traditional bahay kubo (nipa hut). Its design has evolved throughout the ages but still maintains the bahay kubo’s architectural basis which corresponds to the tropical climate, stormy season and earthquake-prone environment of the Philippines and fuses it with the influence of Spanish colonizers and Chinese traders.
According to Badoy, the destruction, demolition, mutilation, damage, modification or alteration of important cultural properties, world heritage sites, national cultural treasures, and archaeological and anthropological sites is punishable under Article XIII, section 48 and 49 of the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
He ordered Monsignor Silva to submit to the NHCP a copy of the as-built development plan of the structure Convento de Molo.
“We enjoin you not to undertake any action until a final development plan is approved by the Commission,” stressed Badoy./PN
