DARAGA, Albay – The 15th century old church of Our Lady of the Gate Parish here has been declared as national cultural treasure by Acting Director Maharlika Cuevas of the National Museum.
In a simple but meaningful occasion recently held at the church patio and attended by well-meaning citizens of this progressive town, the reading of the declaration was made by Cuevas saying that the eastern and western façades, belfry, and baptistery of the church and all the structures where these features are attached, become parts of the national treasure and therefore its intrinsic value must be safeguarded by the government.
The ceremony followed the signing of a declaration by National Museum Director, Corazon S. Alvina last Oct. 29, 2007 concurred by a panel of experts and historians that the centuries old church of Daraga must be preserved and protected as important cultural properties.
The declaration reads: “The Eastern and Western Facades, Bell Tower and Baptistry of Parish Church of Our Lady of Holy Gate in Daraga, Albay, was declared a National Culture Treasure by the National Museum by virtue of the powers vested in it by Republic Act 4846, as amended by Presidential Decree 374 and Republic Act 8492. Done in the City of Manila dated August 10, 2006’ signed by Corazon S. Alvina, Director IV, National Museum.
