In a ceremony held last August 11, the National Museum of the Philippines declared the 408-year Malabon Church as an "Important Cultural Property."
The NMP Deputy Director-General Lawyer Ma. Rosenne Flores-Avila, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the Bishop of Kalookan, led the unveiling of the declaration marker last Thursday.
San Bartolome Parish, 1800s| Photo from MyMalabon.com
San Bartolome Church, 2014 | Photo from San Josenyong Gala blog
The 2015 historical marker of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) mentions that the church became a parish in 1614. In 1898, the structure was destroyed by fire and eventually was severely affected by the World War II. The church was restored in the 1950s.
The Church is under the titular patronage of St. Bartholomew whose feast day we celebrate every August 24.
Unveling | Photos from Apostol San Bartolome de Malabon Facebook Page
According to National Heritage Act of 2009, those declared as "Important Cultural Property" are considered having “exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance” to the country.