A National Treasure restored by Escuella Taller
The recent restoration of La Loma Chapel was the product of the efforts between Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, Inc. or Escuela Taller and the Diocese of Kalookan. The restoration of the chapel facade took just 11 months to complete.
The chapel that stands in the middle of the cemetery, also known as Cementerio General de la Loma, was built as a response to the environmental and health concerns during the Spanish period. It is declared a National Cultural Treasure, the highest designation given to a valuable cultural asset.
Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation is a non-profit school that trains out-of-school youth in skills and trades related to heritage conservation. It was established jointly by the Spanish and Philippine governments in 2009. Graduates of the school were involved in the restoration of the chapel facade. The establishment of the school and its continued operation is a testament to the shared cultures and history between the two nations and their commitment to development and to economic gains, especially for vulnerable sectors and communities through cultural heritage programs.