Old churches to remind faithful of heritage, says Filipino priest

There are 128 churches in the country recognized as National Cultural Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and National Historical Landmarks

LiCAS News
May 17, 2023

The Nuestra Señora de la Luz Parish church in Loon, Bohol, is seen in this photo date Aug. 24, 2012 by Joel Aldor. (Wikimedia Photo)

A Catholic priest said the Philippine Church continues to value churches and sites in the country that hold significant historical importance.

Father Milan Ted Torralba, executive secretary of the Commission on Cultural Heritage of the bishops’ conference, said efforts of the Church to declare the importance of old buildings are aimed at encouraging people to preserve and appreciate them.

“My personal motivation behind these declarations (as national cultural treasure or important cultural property) for buildings built during the Spanish colonial period is to remind every Filipino that the Church takes the lead in valuing and not forgetting the heritage that continues to benefit the people and the clergy,” said the priest in an interview with Radio Veritas 846.

He made the statement following the declaration of the National Museum of the Philippines of several churches in Bohol as significant treasures in the country.

Recently, the NMP publicly announced the designation of the San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Calape, Bohol, as a “National Cultural Treasure.”

A few days later, the Nuestra Senora del Carmen Parish in Balilihan, Bohol, also received recognition from the NMP as an “Important Cultural Property.”

“In addition to the old churches, we also recognize and value old bridges and watchtowers,” said Father Torralba, who is also the chairperson of the Commission on Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Tagbilaran and a member of the NMP Panel of Experts.

According to the records of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, there are 128 churches in the country recognized as National Cultural Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and National Historical Landmarks, with 21 of them located in Bohol.

Pope Francis: Birth rate is a key indicator of a country’s hope

“The birth of children, in fact, is the main indicator for measuring the hope of a people,” Pope Francis said.

Catholic News Agency
May 12, 2023

Pope Francis attends a conference on the Demographic Crisis in Rome, Italy, on May 14, 2021. (Photo by Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis said on Friday, May 12, a society’s birth rate is a key indicator of the hope people have in the future.

The pope shared the stage on May 12 with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a two-day conference on “The General State of the Birth Rate,” held at Conciliazione Auditorium close to the Vatican.

“The birth of children, in fact, is the main indicator for measuring the hope of a people,” Pope Francis said. “If few are born it means there is little hope. And this not only has repercussions from an economic and social point of view but also undermines confidence in the future.”

“The General State of the Birth Rate” is a conference for Italian political, business, and organization leaders to reflect on Italy’s demographic crisis, caused by one of the lowest birth rates in Europe: 1.25 births per woman.

The event was organized by the Foundation for Births and the Family Associations Forum and supported by the Italian Ministry for Family, Birth, and Equal Opportunity.

This was the third annual conference and the second time Pope Francis attended. In 2022, he sent a message to be read at the event.

Italy hit a historic low number of births in 2022, with only about 393,000 children born in the country.

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Former vice president Robredo launches book on ‘people’s campaign’ anniversary

The limited edition coffee table book features iconic moments, behind-the-scenes photos, and inside stories from the people’s campaign in 2022

LiCAS News
May 10, 2023

Former vice president Leni Robredo speaks during the launch of the coffee table book titled “Tayo ang Liwanag” on May 9. (Photo supplied)

Former vice president Leni Robredo marked the first anniversary of the “people’s campaign” on Tuesday, May 9, with the launch of her coffee table book titled “Tayo ang Liwanag.”

The limited edition coffee table book features iconic moments, behind-the-scenes photos, and inside stories from the people’s campaign in 2022.

“If I have to go through it all over again, I will. Kasi sa tingin ko, marami tayong na-achieve na on the day I announced my candidacy,” said Robredo who ran for president in last year’s national elections.

“I never thought na ma-aachieve natin,” she said, referring to the “spirit of volunteerism” that her supporters claimed was sparked during the people’s campaign in 2022.

As a beneficiary of the proceeds from the book, the non-government Angat Buhay, through its executive director Raffy Magno, expressed gratitude to individuals who continue to express their support.

“Hope and bayanihan create a virtuous cycle,” said Magno.

“It is the hope of our volunteers, partners, and supporters that continue to push Angat Buhay in its work to help alleviate poverty, which in turn inspires even more Filipinos to volunteer what they have and what they can do,” he added.