The National Historical Commission has cited the important contributions of the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish Cathedral (Cabanatuan Cathedral) in Cabanatuan City to the Catholic Church, the lay faithful as well as in the country’s history.
The NHC has bestowed the cathedral with a national historical marker which was unveiled during rites led by Diocese of Cabanatuan Bishop Sofronio Bancud, said a Veritas News post on Saturday, June 15.
The historic church once served as the seat of the Philippine Revolutionary Government under the helm of Emilio Aguinaldo in 1899.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines executive director Carminda Arevalo cited the important role played by the cathedral in the country’s history as the seat of democracy and the first republic in Asia.
“The historical marker that we have unveiled serves to remind us of the cathedral’s rich history. We are also reminded of General Antonio Luna who gave up his life for the country and was killed in Plaza Lucero in font of the church on June 5, 1899. We also remember the Filipinos who gave up their lives during the First Republic while fighting for freedom. The Cabanatuan Cathedral’s historical significance impacts the entire country’s colorful history,” Arevalo said.
With around a million Roman Catholics, the Diocese of Cabanatuan marked its 60th founding anniversary in 2023.