CEBU CITY – The Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church (CACCHC) has expressed “deep concern” over the installation of a light emitting diode (LED) board at the entrance of the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish church in Sibonga town, southern Cebu.
THE Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church has cried foul over the light emitting diode (LED) board at the entrance of the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish church in Sibonga town, southern Cebu. (Cebu Archdiocese)
The commission has requested the removal of the LED to preserve the church’s “historic and heritage value.”
“We are disheartened that these LED lights to the church structure, though perhaps well-intentioned, are incompatible with its heritage and historic character,” the CACCHC said in a statement.
The commission shared a photo of a red-colored LED signage bearing the name “Our Lady of Pillar Parish” mounted at the entrance of the church.
The installation of the LED board did not undergo consultations and approval from their body, CACCHC said.
“(The commission) is mandated by the Archdiocese of Cebu to superintend in the care and protection of its church patrimony, especially regarding historic and heritage churches, rectories, and other properties and their adjunct structures and their holdings therein,” it said.
The Our Lady of the Pillar, or also referred to as the Nuesta Señor del Pilar Church, is one of the several heritage churches in Cebu. It was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in 2010.
“No additions or alterations that impact on the historicity of this parish church should be carried out also without the tacit approval of the NHCP,” CACCHC said.
The commission also reminded parish priests to ensure that churches are “not disrespected nor defaced by ill-advised alterations and additions.”
“We wish to remind all parish priests to respect the historic and heritage character and fabric of the churches under their care,” it said.
The commission added that it is willing to offer its expertise to parish priests when it comes to planning for renovation or redesign in churches.