ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) will conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the renovation of the convent of the century-old Molo Church.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) recently ordered the Molo parish to stop the renovation. Acting Executive Director Ludovico Badoy expressed concern there could be a violation of the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (Republic Act 10066).
According to Councilor Plaridel Nava who pressed for an inquiry, parish administrator Monsignor Maurillo Silva failed to secure a permit or authority from the NHCP to renovate the convent.
“There could be a violation of Article III, Section 5 of Republic Act 10066,” stated the NHCP Cease and Desist Order.
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.
On July 19, the City Engineer’s Office also issued a Notice of Violation and Work Stoppage Order against the renovation for lack of a building permit.
“Monsignor Silva ignored both the cease and desist order (of the NHCP) and the Notice of Violation (of the City Engineer’s Office)…to the detriment of public interest and public policy,” read part of the SP resolution calling for an inquiry.
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 – designed 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 Nava, on July 16 Badoy inspected the convent but the official failed to meet Silva.
“Ilonggos value each and every cultural and religious heritage site. They are reflections of the past that all of us must cherish. Let no man like Monsignor Silva be permitted to take away the pride of our past, the gems of our future,” said Nava.
In the NHCP Cease and Desist Order, Badoy stated that 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.
It was unclear as of this writing of the development plan was submitted.
The SP committee on tourism, culture and historical affairs chaired by Councilor Candice Magdalene Tupas would conduct the inquiry but no date has been set yet./PN
Ignorant and arrogant priests are the number one threat in preserving our heritage and culture. It has been done countless times in many dioceses in the country. They should be properly educated on the value of our history and culture. While the old Spanish friars/missionaries tried to salvage the remains of our lost culture and history, Filipino priests, however, have continued to neglect its importance to the people. Pre Vatican II ornaments, vessels, vestments, etc. are sold even to the black market. They have destroyed many beautiful sanctuaries and places of worship. They mus be stopped from this barbarity.