Old DavOr church affirmed as historical site

By Jeanevive D. Abangan

Friday 27th of July 2012

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, July 27 (PIA) -- Local residents and visitors, flocked to the 128-year-old San Salvador del Mundo Church in the municipality of Caraga, Davao Oriental as it became one of the national historic sites in the country, July 16.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the Diocese of Mati, and the local government unit of Caraga unveiled the national historic marker in the oldest church in the region, which coincided with the parochial feast day of the parish.

With 70 percent of the original building still existing, the old church was was given a modern touch as it was adorned with flowers, balloons, ribbons, and red carpet from the entrance to altar of the church.

One stunning feature of the church is the two-century-old giant seashells containing holy water and the baptismal font. The baptismal font was used during the Spanish era. It was preserved and now kept at the main door of San Salvador del Mundo Parish.

After the unveiling, Bishop Patricio Alo blessed the historic marker, followed by the turnover of the certificate of transfer with NHCP Director Ludovico D. Badoy reading the content of the certificate.

Highlighting the ceremony was the signing the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the ownership of the marker and the responsibilities that goes along with attaining the prestige as a national historic site.

Badoy and Wilkie Deelumen, architect, signed the agreement for the NHCP, Mayor William Duma-an for the municipality of Caraga, and Bishop Patricio Alo for the Diocese of Mati, while Governor Corazon Malanyaon and Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang of the first district stood as witnesses.

Badoy said, “The big day came after the thorough validation of the NHCP because we had to follow the guidelines set by the commission in declaring national historic sites. Members of the NHCP visited Caraga to verify, look into the church, and interviewed local residents. They submitted their recommendations to the board, after which, the board approved the declaration of the old church as a national historic site, as justified with the national historic marker. We recognize the joint efforts of the church and the local government unit of Caraga for declaration and this is a long dream for them,” he said.

He added that San Salvador del Mundo poses historical significance not only for the province of Davao Oriental, but for the country as well as it is where Christianity started in the eastern part of the country.

The local government unit of Caraga also allocated financial assistance to the parish for the preparations for the marker installation and unveiling.

San Salvador del Mundo Parish Priest Fr. Uldarico Toruba was elated to be part of the celebration, as he was just less than a month appointed as the new parish church. He felt the pride of all Caragenos, and in awe with the mystique of the old composition of the structure. (RGA/JDA/Neela Duallo-PIA)