408-year-old San Bartolome Parish Church in Malabon declared as Important Cultural Property

The 408-year-old San Bartolome Parish Church in Malabon City has been declared Important Cultural Property (ICP) by the National Museum of the Philippines.

ICPs are referred to cultural properties having "exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines," according to Republic Act No. 10066.

A Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) report said the recognition was bestowed during the unveiling of the declaration marker at the church compound last Thursday.

Atty. Ma. Rosenne Flores-Avila, the museum's deputy director general for administration, said they and the parish will continue taking care of the property.

"Let's continue to make this hallowed place a vibrant center of conversation and action for our cultural heritage, especially now that we face more challenging times," she said.

The Diocese of Kalookan oversees the parish. It also urged that caring for the church be strengthened as the structure also "gives soul to our faith."

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News