Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy, Valencia, Bohol Mayor Dionisio Balite, parish priest Fr. Efren Dolauta and Rachelle Lacea of the National Museum of the Philippines Bohol led the recent celebration of the 152nd founding anniversary of the Sto. Nino Parish (Valencia Church) in Valencia, Bohol.
The occasion also marked the unveiling of the marker declaring the historic church as an Important Cultural Property.
“I am filled with gratitude for this recognition as it strengthens our mission to continue nurturing and promoting the spiritual and cultural heritage embodied within the walls of the Sto. Nino Parish; Its declaration as a National Cultural Heritage ensures its preservation and safeguarding for future generations,” said Bishop Uy over Radio Veritas.
The National Museum of the Philippines declared the Sto. Nino Parish as an Important Cultural Property on Oct. 11, 2018.
Then in 2013, the NMP declared the church as a National Cultural Treasure for its historical, cultural, and artistic significance. This timely declaration of a significant cultural property allowed for the government to step in and restore the church after it sustained serious damage along with around ten other old churches due to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013.
Records of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts showed that more than100 churches in the country had been declared as National Cultural Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and National Historical Landmarks. Of the number, 21 may be found in Bohol.