In Northern Samar 396-year-old church declared historical site

CAPUL ISLAND, Northern Samar, Philippines —This island town's 396-year old stone church has been declared a historical site by the National Heritage Commission of the Philippines (formerly the National Heritage Institute) recently.

The event was highlighted by the unveiling of a marker "Fuerza de Capul" (Strength of the Capuleños), attended by Governor Paul Daza, Capul Mayor Isidro Bandal, NCHP's executive director Ludovico Badoy and Carminda Arevalo, and DOT-8 regional director Karen Tiopes.

The church, known as St. Ignatius de Loyola Church, is surrounded by stone walls connoting that it was more than a house of worship, as it was also a fortress and a refuge of the Capuleños during the times of Moro raids. At present it looked like a mini-Intramuros.

Capul, it was also learned, was a contraction of the name Acapulco in Mexico where the galleon trade with Manila flourished. The island was a safe harbor for galleon traders when strong currents prevailed.

The island was evangelized by the Spaniards in 1596. The first church was constructed in 1606 but it was razed to ashes in 1615. In the same year, the church as it is now, was constructed making it exactly 396 years old this year. Little has been touched of the old structure.

Before the island was renamed Capul, it was named Abak, in honor of deposed King Abak of Java, Indonesia who landed and settled on the island.

The settlers spoke Inabaknon, the Indo-Malaysian tongue, still spoken by its people to this day, which is a unique and endemic dialect that is neither Waray nor Bisaya. Inabaknon is part of the Samal language of Sulo islands, considered the 8th rarest dialect in the country. While the rest of Samar speaks Waray in various intonations and variants, the Capuleños dialect is entirely different. 

Tiopes, who said it was her first time to set foot on Capul Island, said the island's well preserved culture and heritage were the reason why the NHCP took interest of it.

Badoy, during the presentation of the marker, said: "This reminds us of what transpired during the Spanish era. The church is not only a structure but is it a gathering of people … Declaring this a historical site (gives it) recognition from the government. It will now be considered significant and protected by law (to pave way) for its restoration and preservation."

Daza, for his part, said, "Capul island is now a national treasure and we can promote its rich culture and historical heritage and eco-tourism destinations."

Aside from the stone church, it has a well-preserved Balwarte, a "parola" or light tower built by the Spaniards in the 1800s.

The island has fabulous beaches and a natural pool, which locals fondly call "Bigfoot" as it is shaped like a giant footstep. Some enterprising businessmen have begun putting up modest beach cottages, while the locals are also trained for home stay program.