via Rappler, 03 March 2024 and other sources: The National Museum of the Philippines and the collectors Edwin and Aileen Bautista are under scrutiny for the retention of four pulpit panels from the heritage church of Boljoon, Cebu, despite claims of their historical and cultural significance to the local community. The deed of donation asserts that the panels, identified as stolen by Cebu officials and church authorities, should remain with the museum “in perpetuity”. However, widespread calls from government and church leaders in Cebu, including a firm stance from Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, demand their immediate return.
A redacted copy of the deed of donation obtained by Rappler says: “The PANELS shall be accessioned to the permanent collection of the DONEE, which shall maintain possession of the PANELS in perpetuity and shall not dispose of them, individually or collectively, in any way.”
The agreement, which was signed on January 16, 2024, also specified that the NMP should put the panels on exhibit and “ensure their accessibility.”
The document also showed that all the parties and signatories knew when they were signing the agreement that the panels came from the “Church of the Roman Catholic Parish of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima in Boljoon, Cebu.”
Source: Donation docs specify Boljoon panels stay with National Museum
See also:
- Tourism Secretary Frasco backs return of church panels to Cebu | 03 Mar 2024
- Tourism Secretary Frasco supports return of church panels to Boljoon | 03 Mar 2024
- DoT’s Frasco backs return of pulpit art to Cebu shrine | BusinessWorld Online, 04 Mar 2024
- DOT chief backs calls for return of pulpit panels to Boljoon Church | PNA, 04 Mar 2024
- DoT backs petition to return pulpit panels | Manila Times, 05 Mar 2024
- Philippines DOT supports stakeholders’ plea for return of Boljoon Pulpit Panels to Cebu | Travel Daily News, 07 Mar 2024
