Santa Monica Parish Church Early Restoration to Begin
Restoration work on the historic Santa Monica Parish Church, widely known as Sarrat Church, is set to start after it suffered structural damage from several earthquakes in 2024. The government has allocated P40 million for the early restoration phase, local leaders noted. This funding will support crucial repairs to preserve this iconic Filipino-Hispanic architectural treasure in Ilocos Norte.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) confirmed the restoration plans on June 11. The Diocese of Laoag and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) formalized the agreement, with Bishop Renato Mayugba and NHCP Chair Regalado Trota José signing the documents. The NHCP will oversee the restoration, while the diocese has authorized work to proceed.
Damage Assessment and Safety Measures
The church sustained damage during multiple earthquakes last year—in February, June, and December. Parts of the structure, including wooden beams and sections of the stone walls, collapsed or shifted. As a precaution, the church was vacated early this year to ensure the safety of parishioners and visitors.
The initial restoration phase will focus on repairing the roof and trusses and strengthening the brick walls. Authorities are currently conducting bidding for contractors and recruiting workers, aiming to start construction by September.
Historical Significance and Cultural Value
Santa Monica Parish Church is one of the largest and longest Filipino-Hispanic churches in the Ilocos region. It has stood for nearly 200 years on the site that became the second town center of Sarrat. Originally called San Miguel de Cuncunig, the town was renamed after relocating following the 1815 Sarrat Revolt.
Sarrat later became Ilocos Norte’s first capital in 1818. Its original name was restored in 1916, reflecting its rich history. In 2024, the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary granted the church plenary indulgence privileges for pilgrims, marking its 300th anniversary.
This restoration effort aims to preserve the church’s architectural heritage and cultural legacy for future generations. Local leaders expressed hope that the repairs will allow the community to safely return to worship and celebrate their faith within this historic landmark.
For more news and updates on Santa Monica Parish Church early restoration, visit Filipinokami.com.