Preserving Filipino Heritage for a Stronger Nation
Senator Loren Legarda recently highlighted the crucial role of preserving Filipino heritage in fostering a resilient and self-aware nation. She led the turnover ceremony of two meticulously restored historical landmarks in Antique: the Casa Tribunal de Patnongon and the San Juan de Nepomuceno Parish Church, both vital symbols of Filipino identity and history.
“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,” Legarda explained. “And that understanding is vital to how we move forward.” This perspective underscores why the preservation of these sites matters deeply to the Filipino people.
Restoring the Casa Tribunal de Patnongon
Supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the restoration of the Old Casa Municipal, locally called ‘munisipyo daan,’ reflects Patnongon’s rich history and resilience. Restoration included repairing original stone walls, updating electrical lines, and installing plumbing, carefully preserving the structure’s authentic character.
Originally serving as a tribunal and government center during Spanish and American colonial eras, the building witnessed dark moments in World War II, becoming a site of torture. Left in ruins by 1945, its humble beginnings as a bamboo, wood, and straw casa marked Patnongon’s birth as a town—a story Legarda passionately shared.
“In essence, this place began humbly—as a casa made of bamboo, wood, and straw—built to mark Patnongon’s birth as a town. This origin story matters,” Legarda asserted. She added, “It reminds us that we are a people who fought for our freedoms and held onto an identity distinct in its own right—wholly Filipino, and fiercely refusing to be diminished.”
San Juan de Nepomuceno Parish: A Testament of Endurance
The San Juan de Nepomuceno Parish Church, one of Antique’s most well-preserved landmarks, showcases stunning Baroque architecture. Constructed between 1845 and 1879 from local coral reefs bound with egg whites, its façade is famous for intricate Spanish Baroque carvings, triangular pediments, and ornate columns.
Inside, wooden retablos, arched ceilings, and religious shrines reveal centuries of devotion. After the Spanish era, the church was occupied by Aglipayans until 1906 before returning to the Roman Catholic Church. Its coral stone foundation helped it withstand World War II, a massive 1948 earthquake, and a destructive 1973 typhoon.
“This is why we must care for churches like San Juan de Nepomuceno. Our aim is not to create museum pieces, but to keep its memory alive in the spaces where it first took root,” Legarda emphasized. She encouraged a promise that future generations will continue to feel connected to these historical places, preserving their legacy and Filipino identity.
Legarda’s Commitment to Filipino Culture
Senator Legarda, a steadfast advocate for Philippine history and culture, authored key laws such as the Philippine Cultural Heritage Act and the Cultural Mapping Law. Her leadership in preserving these historic sites reflects a broader mission to strengthen Filipino identity through the protection of cultural landmarks.
“Let this be our promise: that long after we are gone, our children—your children—will still walk into this place, feel its history, and know they belong to something greater. While its presence is a gift, it also remains our responsibility,” she concluded.
Local leaders noted that preserving Filipino heritage through such restoration projects not only honors the past but also inspires a united and resilient future for the nation.
For more news and updates on Filipino heritage, visit Filipinokami.com.
