The National Museum of the Philippines is set to declare the centuries-old Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in Cebu City and its image of the revered Child Jesus as national cultural treasures next month.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NCHP) chairman Rene Escalante said the recognition “is the highest that the State can give to such historically and culturally-significant heritage of the Filipino people.”
The official declaration will be held on April 14 to coincide with the opening of the year-long commemoration of the anniversary of 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines. The day will also mark the 500th anniversary of the first baptism in Asia’s bastion of Christianity.
The celebration will be highlighted with the reenactment of the historic event. Five hundred children with special needs will also be baptized at the basilica.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown will be in Cebu to grace the occasion.