via Philippine News Agency, 29 May 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines has allocated PHP9 million for the restoration of the iconic bell tower in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Built in the 1800s and declared an Important Cultural Property, the bell tower’s preservation project involves reinforcement and architectural work. Local authorities and the Diocese of Dumaguete are collaborating to ensure the project addresses all structural concerns while preserving the historic and cultural significance of the monument.
The National Museum will undertake the project in collaboration with the Diocese of Dumaguete and the city government, Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, chair of the Committee on Church Cultural Heritage, said Wednesday.
“We are happy with this development considering that the bell tower needs to be preserved and protected from further deterioration as it is a symbol of the people’s faith and resilience for more than a century since it was built,” Heruela said.
He said the bell tower or belfry, built in the 1800s, was declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum before the pandemic.
During a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the National Museum team presented the project’s rationale and proposal while listening to input from church and city government representatives, local architects and engineers.
Source: P9-M allocated for restoration of Dumaguete’s bell tower | Philippine News Agency
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