THE restored Anini-y Church and the Casa Tribunal de Patnongon in Antique province. (NHCP)
ILOILO CITY — Sen. Loren Legarda and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) recently unveiled two restored heritage sites in Antique province.
Legarda joined NHCP Chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr. in turning over the San Juan de Nepomuceno Parish Church (Anini-y Church) in the town of Anini-y and the Casa Tribunal de Patnongon in Patnongon town.
“Heritage is about clarity. When we understand where we came from — what we built, what we lost, what we survived — we begin to understand who we are. And that understanding is vital to how we move forward,” said Legarda.
The lady senator who served as Antique congresswoman was instrumental in facilitating NHCP to restore the two heritage structures.
The Anini-y Church is known for its Baroque architecture. Constructed from 1845 to 1879, it was made from coral reefs bound with egg whites. The church is one of the most-well preserved structures in the province.
Joining the July 17 turnover rites were Bishop Marvyn A. Maceda of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique, NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, and Saint John de Nepomuceno Parish Priest Fr. Jose Glicerio C. Geremia.
Casa Tribunal de Patnongon was the Old Casa Municipal that was used as a seat of power during the Spanish and American colonial periods.
Mayor Johnny Bacongallo and Vice Mayor Thomas Bacaoco graced the turnover.