ANGELES CITY, Pampanga -- The National Museum of the Philippines on Monday installed an important cultural property (ICP) marker inside the iconic Holy Rosary Parish Church (HRPC) here to show its structural and historical values.
“An ICP is the second highest recognition given by the National Museum of the Philippines to a historical landmark or structure. HRPC, having been one of the recipients of this distinct title, ensures its eternal preservation and safekeeping,” said National Museum curator Racquel Flores.
The marker was formally mounted in the HRPC by the National Museum for passing aesthetics, structural and engineering standards both locally and internationally.
“The National Museum recognizes the beauty and structural design of the church and its societal influence,” Flores said.
Recently, the NHCP also unveiled a historical marker in HRPC’s facade as the church played a vital role in the celebration of the first anniversary of the Philippine Independence in 1899.
Flores, on the other hand, said that “the marker is different from the one given by the NHCP as they focus on the authentic historicity of the place.”
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, who is in Taiwan for the World Ecomobility Congress during the marker installation, is elated that the city’s iconic structure is given acknowledgement for its beauty and physical foundation that withstood natural calamities and man-made interventions.
“Our church is one of the most important structures in the city as it serves as the centerpiece of our heritage zone. I am grateful to the National Museum of the Philippines for this conferment of recognition for it drives us more in conserving our cultural heritage and promote them as our tourism gems to the world,” Pamintuan said in a statement.
“No one can deny the aesthetic appeal of our centuries-old church. It is the most photographed and ‘instagrammable’ place in the entire city,” the mayor added.
According to R.A. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, structures under the ICP category are granted access to monetary incentives which are allotted for the preservation and reconstruction of the ICPs ruined by natural calamities and man-made interventions. (PNA)
