Restoration work is set to begin on the centuries-old Santa Monica Parish Church, widely known as Sarrat Church, following structural damage caused by multiple earthquakes in 2024. 

The historic church, a landmark of Filipino-Hispanic architecture in Ilocos Norte, will receive P40 million in government funding for the first phase of repairs, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) confirmed in a statement on June 11.

The Diocese of Laoag and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) formalized the restoration agreement, with Bishop Renato Mayugba signing on behalf of the diocese and NHCP Chair Regalado Trota José representing the heritage agency. 

Under the agreement, the NHCP will lead the restoration, with the diocese granting authorization to proceed with the work.

Damage from earthquakes in February, June, and December last year caused parts of the structure, including wooden beams and sections of the stone walls, to collapse or dislodge. 

As a precaution, the church was vacated in early 2025.

The initial restoration phase will focus on repairing the roof and trusses and reinforcing the brick walls. 

Bidding for contractors and worker recruitment are ongoing, with construction expected to start in September.

Recognized as one of the longest and widest Filipino-Hispanic churches in the Ilocos region, Santa Monica Church is believed to be around 200 years old.

The town became the first capital of Ilocos Norte in 1818, and its original name was restored in 1916.

In 2024, the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary granted the church the privilege of plenary indulgence for pilgrims, in celebration of its 300th anniversary.