NHCP surveys heritage sites in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The Historic Preservation Division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has conducted surveys and documentation across heritage sites in Barili, Naga City, and Toledo City in a bid to further safeguard Cebu’s cultural legacy.

The initiative followed formal requests for NHCP historical markers and complements Cebu’s broader heritage landscape, which includes some of the country’s most storied landmarks.

The site inspections coincided with NHCP’s other heritage-centered activity in Cebu—the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Formulation of the National Guidelines and Principles for the Conservation of Built Heritage held last week.

The FGD brought together heritage professionals, architects, planners, and local stakeholders to refine national standards for preserving built heritage. It opened with a curated heritage tour around Cebu City, highlighting key landmarks.

For the survey proper, NHCP personnel visited the Hospicio de San Jose in Barili, a pioneering institution founded in 1925 through the endowment of philanthropists Pedro and Benigna Cui.

Recognized as the first home for the aged in the Philippines sustained entirely by a private trust, the Hospicio originally housed dormitories, a chapel, and an infirmary—facilities that remain operational today under the stewardship of the Cui family. The site stands as a testament to enduring civic generosity and institutional care.

In Naga City, the team inspected the St. Francis of Assisi Church, which transitioned from a visita of San Nicolas to an independent parish on June 12, 1829. Designed under the guidance of Bishop Santos Gómez Marañon and constructed by Fr. Simón Aguirre in 1850, the church suffered extensive damage during World War II, losing its belfry and rectory. These were rebuilt in the 1970s.

Today, the cruciform, single-nave structure is distinguished by a richly adorned façade—the only one of its kind in Cebu—featuring Islamic, indigenous, and Central American motifs. It also bears a relief of the First Mass in Cebu marked “1521” and the Latin phrase Praedicate Evangelium.

In Toledo City, NHCP personnel inspected remnants of the World War II “Depensa,” a system of fortifications built in early 1942 to resist Japanese invasion. These include concrete dragon’s teeth barriers in Barangay Carmen, as well as foxholes and pillboxes forming part of the Ilihan Line near the present city hall.

The fortifications played a strategic role in delaying enemy advances, allowing American and Filipino troops to retreat after the battle at the Magdugo plains.

The team also took note of restoration efforts at the Old Municipal Building, soon to reopen as Museo Toledo, and visited the Capilla Santa Ana Museum, a private institution housing rare European collections.

Prior to the inspections, the delegation paid a courtesy call on City Administrator Mae Delia C. Tacandong, joined by personnel from the Culture, Heritage and the Arts Office–Toledo City.

These surveys form part of NHCP’s evaluation process for potential historical markers and reinforce the importance of preserving Cebu’s diverse historical narrative. — (FREEMAN)