The province of Antique is on the verge of designating the 1881 bell tower in Bugasong as a historical landmark. Spearheaded by Committee on History and Cultural Heritage chair, Board Member Egidio Elio, this initiative seeks to officially recognize and preserve the cultural significance of Bugasong's venerable bell tower.
Standing at approximately 12.3 meters tall, the bell tower has endured significant historical events, including surviving the devastation of the Second World War that destroyed Bugasong's original Sto. Niño de Bugasong Parish church and convent.
Constructed under the supervision of Fray Manuel Asencio and Fray Salvador Pons, the bell tower houses three of its original bells, which have served both religious and community purposes since 1893.
Architectural Gem
Elio emphasized that the proposed ordinance aims to honor the heritage passed down by ancestors and increase public awareness of the bell tower's historical value. It underscores the province's commitment to conserving this architectural gem and ensuring its continued cultural significance.
Although the bell tower currently lacks a marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Governor Rhodora Cadiao's Provincial Council on History and Cultural Heritage of Antique, in collaboration with the Antique Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, will play a crucial role in achieving the ordinance's objectives.
Plans for construction, renovation, modification, or demolition that may impact the bell tower's integrity will require clearance from the council, highlighting the province's dedication to preserving its historical and cultural treasures.
As the provincial board prepares to finalize the ordinance on July 1, Antique province stands poised to reaffirm its commitment to heritage preservation.
By safeguarding Bugasong's bell tower, Antique not only pays tribute to its past but also ensures a vibrant cultural legacy for generations to come.
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